Some think that general education requirements are a waste of time and money. If I am a mathematics major why am I required to take a class on philosophy? Likewise, as an arts major what good do three natural science courses do me? I was one of those people when I came to the University of Pittsburgh.
I've had a passion for psychology since I could remember. I never wanted another major and having never considered a minor, I looked at the general education course catalog trying to find something that would be an easy A. Was I excited for a neuroscience course? No. Did I become giddy at the idea of a children's literature class? Definitely not. But I needed to get the general education requirements out of the way.
However, as a second semester freshman, I now have a completely different perspective on general education requirements. I don't have a newfound love for literature, but I do know that I'm actually really good at neuroscience. My favorite professor taught my freshman seminar which I took simply because it fit well into my schedule. I had such a good experience in that class I have applied to be a UTA for it. Do any of these classes fit with my major? No. Do I still love psychology? Yes. But general education requirements have given me the opportunity to find that same love and passion for other things.
As a high school student, I took basic mathematics, history and sometimes an art class. I was never given the option to take a Russian Fairytales course or a class on Political Rhetoric. The best thing about Gen Ed classes is that more often than not they are taught by professors that have a genuine interest in the subject they are teaching. They typically have done extensive research, are published authors or pioneers in their field. They make the course exciting and interesting because they too are excited and interested. Now I am not saying that you will always get an amazing professor because we all know there are teachers who are just there for the salary and the benefits. But more often than not, especially with smaller general education classes, the professors are passionate about the subject they are teaching.
Now remember I came into college with wanting nothing to do with classes besides ones that would further my major. Now I am considering two minors neither of which have anything to do with psychology. Without taking Intro to Performance, a class that satisfies my Arts general education requirement, I wouldn't have realized how much I missed my high school theater programs. My African culture class has shown me not only what I am interested in but also where I want to study abroad. Because of these classes, I am now pursuing a Theater Arts Minor and an Africana Studies Minor. Neither of these things would have ever been an option for me without the general education requirements I was looking to satisfy. It doesn't matter to me that they don't compliment my major. They are fun and enjoyable.
Don't take your Gen Eds for granted. Explore all possibilities. Go outside your own bubble. That class you'd never take? Take it, it satisfies a general education requirement. Finding things outside your major that you are passionate about is anything but a waste of time. Find classes that make you smile, or spark your interest. Find classes with amazing professors, or interesting perspectives. Find classes that make you forget all the organic chemistry homework you have waiting.
General Education courses taught me that school is not always about reaching the next checkpoint, the next graduation or next job. So next time you groan while picking up the general education course catalog, find something that takes you outside of your comfort zone. You never know what you might find.
I think I'll take African drumming next semester. Maybe I'll see you there?
