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Student Life

I Am A Liberal Arts Major, But I'm Not Wasting My Time

Controversial content ahead.

Erin Locke

Jan 02, 2019

Purdue University

109

Pexels

Recently, I've been sensing a lot of backlash, specifically from STEM majors directed at those of us who are in the College of Liberal Arts. Majors filtered into Liberal Arts include (but are not limited to) Anthropology, English, Communication, Global Studies, and Creative/Professional/Technical Writing.

People tend to assume that Liberal Arts majors are throw-away majors, money wasting majors, or for people who don't really want to be at college. I've been told that I'm throwing my parents'/my money away by studying English instead of "studying something that matters."

Here's what's up: I'm not just messing around.

I'm not studying English to please anyone but me. I'm not throwing away four years of my life. I'm doing what I love. I'm excelling in something that I care about.

Just because I'm at a Big 10 engineering university does not mean that I have to be an engineer. It doesn't even mean I have to earn a BS. My calling is different, and who are you to judge what I'm good or not good at?

God calls every single one of us to something different. Ever heard of spiritual gifts? We're each called to something different in that way too.

I'm not skilled in math. Yes, I did well in math growing up, but now that I am able to choose where I want to spend my time, I would rather not use math in my everyday life. I am also not the best in science. But what I do succeed in is writing papers and editing.

If you talk grammar to me, I swear we will be best friends.

I'm studying something that people cannot understand. I'm studying writing and the power behind words and grammar. Don't tell me that what I'm studying isn't important. I see that you forgot that Oxford comma when you were listing the reasons I should be studying something in STEM.

I don't have to do math or sit in a lab all day every day to know that what I am doing is valuable. And I certainly don't have to rely on what someone else says about my major in order to feel accomplished.

I know that I cannot please everyone. It's impossible, and I'm learning that. I'm someone who stresses about making everyone happy. I want people to like me, just as most people do. I don't want people to think less of me for studying writing, but if they do, then that's okay.

Because sometimes, people cannot be pleased.

I'm not wasting my time studying Professional Writing. I'm wasting my time if I try to please everyone around me.

8 Stereotypes Sorority Girls Are Tired Of Hearing

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Being a part of any organization undoubtedly comes with the pitfalls of being grouped into negative stereotypes, and sororities are certainly no exception. Here are the top few things, that I find at least, are some of the most irritating misconceptions that find their way into numerous conversations...

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

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I Am A Liberal Arts Major, But I'm Not Wasting My Time

Controversial content ahead.

Here's what's up: I'm not just messing around.

If you talk grammar to me, I swear we will be best friends.

Because sometimes, people cannot be pleased.

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We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

7. "I don't need to buy my friends."

6. "Oh, so I'll bet you love to drink."

5. "Can you tell me some of your secrets?"

4. "What do you do at your meetings?"

3. "Do you guys haze really badly?"

2. "Is it just like in the movies?"

1. "Sororities are so basic."

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

1. You get excited when the parents purchase season passes to the pool.

2. You've become friends with the stay-at-home moms in town.

3. You get a chance to eat "kid foods" again.

4. You've traded in your cute purse for a large tote bag.

5. You have at least one car seat in your backseat.

6. Their nap time is your happy time.

7. Lunch time can be a disaster.

8. You have to play the same board games repeatedly.

9. You catch yourself using the same lines your parents once told you.

10. Your "mom-mode" kicks in at times.

11. Your heart melts a little when they do something cute.

You'll never find any souvenirs with your name on it

1. You know you are up next when the teacher pauses while taking attendance

2. When “I’m going to do my very best to make sure I know all your names” is said, it may or may be an empty promise

3. “Wow! That sounds so cool! Where is your family from?”

4. You dread when people ask you to repeat your name over and over because it “sounds so cool when you say it”

5. There’s a 50/50 chance that your name will come back either correct or incorrect at Starbucks

6. People try to find shorter, easier nicknames for you instead of calling you by your actual name

7. When someone famous or fictional character shares your name, you get so happy

8. “What’s your name?” “It’s [name]” “I’m sorry, what was it again?”

9. You’ve pretty much seen every misspelling and heard every mispronunciation of your name throughout your life

10. When you find another person with an “ethnic” sounding name, you both get excited

11. Despite the struggles, your name is pretty unique… just like you

Can I be excused for the rest of my life?

Don't Be That Person

1. “Oh, so you/your family are immigrants!”

2. “Is Puerto Rico near Mexico?”

3. “Do you speak Puerto Rican?”

4. “You look too light/dark to be Puerto Rican.”

5. “Do I need my passport to go to Puerto Rico?”

6. “Geez, you are obsessed with your flag. We get it, you’re Puerto Rican.”

7. “Why are you so loud?”

8. “So does your family know English?”

9. “Oh my god, Puerto Ricans are so spicy.”

10. “So did you eat a lot of tacos?”

11. “Are you Mexican?”

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