We have all been in an ice breaker situation, especially in college. You will introduce yourself and talk about where you are from and why you chose that specific school in that specific town. And, in the midst of all this, you were probably asked what your major is. In my case, people are usually confused about what my major is a lot. Anthropology is not exactly a household term. This is my story about why and how I became an Anthropology major.
I'm from Chicago, a bustling city full of people. I spent my time at home or at school. It was how I was raised, not that I liked it at all. No wonder there was this strong curiosity to learn more about other people. My senior year, my homeroom teacher told me about Sociology, the study of human society. She said it seemed to fit me. I was someone who would sit back and ask questions. I still participated: raising my hand, talking to people, hanging with friends. And yet, I would still question everything. I decided to make sociology my major with the hopes of learning more about human society. I know I sound like an alien, but that's how I felt a lot of the time.
Over the summer, I started going out more than I did in high school. That summer I realized I like to just watch society be sometimes. For example, when I commute on the train, I would listen to my music and stay on my phone and people watch. I notice the person who's late for work because they're in a suit, bouncing their leg, and constantly looking back up at the train map. Or maybe it's an interview? It might sound like profiling from a crime show, but it's all related to studying human society.
Originally, I applied to Illinois State University as a Theater major. The thing is, I misread my acceptance email and thought I wasn't accepted yet. This gave me some time to rethink my plans. Instead, after my summer of people watching, I reapplied with my major in Sociology and was accepted. When I began school, I had my first Sociology class and knew I was pursuing the right major. Wrong! Not that it wasn't still a great major, I realized there was something even better for me.
As I'm getting ready to go into my major after my sophomore year, I decided to look at my major requirements. I noticed that the department was titled Sociology and Anthropology. "What's Anthropology," my brain asked, full of curious energy. I go to look and see it's not too much different than Sociology, but it did seem to delve more into different cultures and ethnic studies. It is at this time that I have to tell you about my love for culture.
It started with Greek plays, mythology, different religions, and historical fiction books. After watching Japanese anime (yes, anime), I wanted to study Japanese as a language and culture. Russian, German, Spanish, and French were added later. One thing would always lead to another interest. Different kinds of dancing, musicals, plays, and books. Representation in media and television of these various cultures and people. Subverting stereotypes and myths through historical and realistic fiction. These are just some of my interests. Anthropology just seemed to suit me better.
Anthropology is an amazing major and I love it. I have yet to meet other people in my major on my campus, but I hope to meet them and have so much to talk about.
