I Will Never Apologize for My Liberal Arts Degree
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Will Never Apologize for My Liberal Arts Degree

I will choose to invest in what I love

41
I Will Never Apologize for My Liberal Arts Degree

I'm Nicole and I'm a triple major in English, Environmental Studies and Philosophy. Yes, all three of those are bachelors of arts degrees and yes I am completing all three of them in four years. But as everyone who is some liberal arts related field knows, people will talk sh*t about it. Among other things, I've been told: My degrees are just liberal BS, a liberal arts degree is the easy way out of college, I'll never have any employable skills, I'll never find a job, and I'll never make any money. Lets try and dispel some of these arguments.


1. It's liberal BS

First of all, Its a liberal arts education but its not BS. Its actually a BA (haha liberal arts humor). But on a more serious note: An education in itself is not liberal. Yes, individuals who educate (aka professors) have personal opinions but for the most part they try and refrain from "forcing" their views on students. Part of my liberal arts education is learning to think critically. I know how to distinguish fact from opinion.

2. I'm taking the easy way out of education just so I can say I went to college.

First of all, if I wanted the "easy way out" I wouldn't be a triple major. I also wouldn't be looking at graduate school programs.

3.I have no employable skills

You're totally right, I don't need to read or write for any job (can you feel the sarcasm?). Among my other useless skills include organizational skills, interpersonal communication skills and critical thinking. I'll admit some of these you learn in any field (reading and writing), but my specialization in English means that I've fined tuned these skills and are more efficient than someone who isn't in such an intensive writing based field. Another part of my English program is taking one piece of writing and looking at from different angles. We never think of something as simply one-sided, and the real world definitely isn't one sided.


4. There is no job market for me

As I just established, I have skills required for any field. Sure I'm not an expert in medicine or astrophysics but I'm also not looking for a job in those fields. Just like someone from these fields doesn't have the right qualifications for the jobs I'm applying for. More importantly there will always be a need for someone who can look at something from different angles who has adaptable skills. Maybe I won't start at my dream job but I will find a job even if its something as simple as serving as a real life spell check.


5. I'll never make any money

Sure I may not start out in the same pay grade as some other bachelors level programs but as long as I can live a comfortable lifestyle, why does it matter what else I have? Success isn't determined by the money you make because I would honestly be absolutely miserable working some of these high paying jobs people keep insisting are the only reputable routes. Making money doesn't matter when I can make a real difference in the world.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

85786
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

51661
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments