Throughout my high school experience, teachers and administrators pushed STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers with minimal regard for the humanities. When my science teachers learned about my interest in English, they always attempted to persuade me to pivot my interests towards the medical field. They never seemed to accept the humanities as a valuable option. More so, while I understand the importance of medical studies, this field is not optimal for everyone.

When college planning time came around, it was a guarantee for the school to contact representatives from local hospitals and medical facilities to discuss career option. Not once, however, was a writer brought in to discuss their occupation. Neither were politicians, lawyers, social workers, archaeologists, historians, psychologists, editors or a long list of other careers centered in humanity studies. To say it simply, the humanities are often disregarded completely, especially in areas of higher education.

When a student is classified as "smart," they are expected to enter a "smart-person" major and career path. In other words, society expects them to fall into a STEM field. Otherwise, these individuals are the talk of the town. This should not be the stereotype however. Humanities are necessary in society, and without them, the world would be worse off.

Now, as a college student majoring in English, I have experienced disapproval and criticism for deciding to pursue such a "useless" and "dead" course of study. Family members question what I can do with my major. People ask if money can truly be made from such a degree. Guess what? Students studying the humanities learn some of the most useful skills that are applicable in all sectors of society.

Consisting of subjects that focus on human nature and culture, the humanities teach people about the world at large and how to approach human nature. In general, the humanities consist of a wide range of subjects including philosophy, literature, world languages, history, art, politics, and religion.

By studying the humanities, people learn creative thinking, problem-solving, and critical analysis skills, all of which provide a wide array of benefits to potential employers. Effective communication abilities are built upon in both the written and oral forms through these studies Moreover, these subjects allow people to understand diverse cultures and historical records, as well as ethical and philosophical concerns on modern issues. These are all amazing benefits!

Gaining insight on the humanities even aids individuals pursuing other occupational paths. For instance, students in the medical field gain great knowledge and insight through a focus on these subject areas. Through the humanities, individuals learn how to interact optimally with patients and coworkers alike. They begin to understand that being a doctor is not solely about the scientific knowledge and knowing how to use a stethoscope. Instead, these medically-geared individuals learn how to be relatable, compassionate, and understanding.

The astoundingly positive benefits of humanity studies drew and still draw widespread attention from the public. Besides the STEM movement, another widespread initiative called STEAM took off and continues being prominent in educational debates. Such movements call for the incorporation the liberal arts into the equation. By adding 'Art' to the movement, students learn important life skills that aid them in future careers and when navigating daily life.

In modern society, colleges seek humanity students more than ever. With the burst of interest in science, technology, and mathematics, liberal art students are fading in number. Fewer students study the liberal arts compared to the past, and the number continues declining.

So, if you are interested in majoring in a humanity field of study, don't be deterred due to societal expectations and judgements. If you are passionate about a subject, pursue it wholeheartedly because doing something your passionate about only benefits you in the end. If you need further convincing, here are three college student's accounts on why the humanities are an important part of society and what drove them to pursue a major in the liberal arts:

Shippensburg University student Alysa Young pursued a major in the humanities because there "are people in the world who struggle and could really use help" and studying these subjects opens up windows to make a difference and do something impactful.

According to Eastern University student Jennie Brouse, the humanities are an essential part of society. She said, "Without humanities, our society would not be able to function, and I chose a career in the humanities because I know how important they are and I am passionate about what I want to do."

"The humanities are important because not every job can be in STEM or any trade really. We need an equal balance of all different aspects of careers in order to form a well-functioning society," said Brouse. "Many humanity careers provide beneficial resources to all people and can improve upon society just as STEM careers."

"Humanities are important because they help us learn about different cultures and helps us learn about the world that we live in," said Susquehanna University student Janina Reynolds.

"I decided to pursue a major in the humanities because I have always loved English and writing. I also really love traveling so getting to learn about different cultures is exciting to me," Reynolds said about her decision to study the subject area. "Also, since my mom is from a different country, I've always been interested in learning about the cultures in other countries."