This semester, I'm taking a biology course. Since I spend most of my time in the art building these days, it was kind of strange to walk into the science building for the first time a few weeks ago (to be completely honest here, before the first day of class, I had never even been in the science building on campus...). But here I am, learning about ecosystems. And it has led me to think about other credits (previously referred to as Integrative Studies, or IS, now called General Education) that Houghton requires students to fulfill: classes like philosophy, health and wellness, theology, music or art, and science. A lot of students complain about their existence, wondering why, if they are a music major, should they be required to take a math course? But I have found that these credits add a wonderful dimension to my college experience, and here's why.
1. They help continue your "high school" well-roundedness.
My senior year, I was taking physics, calc, economics, English...your typical range of all subjects. When you get into college, a lot of that goes away, and you're left only concentrating on your subject area. While this is important to narrow your focus, it can also be a little too narrowing, causing you to forget basic math, writing, or history skills. Gen ed requirements help to keep up your well-roundedness and keep you sharp in areas other than just what you are studying.
2. You will meet new people.
I'm taking biology with a lot of biology majors. They tend to live in the science building, and I, up the hill in the art building. Our paths would normally never cross. Yet because of my gen ed credits, here I am, talking to science-y people who I would otherwise never get to meet and interact with. It's fun to make new friends from other areas of study interest!
3. You may find your general education classes surprisingly interesting.
I know people who have taken an art credit just to fulfill gen eds and then they end up loving it and want to take more classes (or add a minor!). Or you might find that you are super interested in philosophy, even if you don't want to major in it. It's always good to stretch your mind, and maybe you'll find something new that is worth pursuing.
4. Staying healthy.
Okay, so this one is directed specifically at our gen ed physical education credit. But, I had the opportunity to take rock climbing and volleyball my freshman year, something that I would never have signed up for if it weren't for my general education requirements. Rock climbing was a blast, and it helped keep me active.
5. Your semesters are more interesting.
If I had a semester that was ALL studio work and art history, I would go nuts. I like having a break in my week, to do something different and give my brain a chance to think about something else for a little bit. Right now, in the midst of my art classes, I have bio lab. We look at termites and goldfish and we think scientifically. It's not painting, but it's fun to switch it up sometimes (and it keeps things from getting boring!).
Yes, it can be a pain sometimes to fit in all those credits and make sure you fill your requirements. But at the end of the day, I think it's totally worth it. Besides, when else will you get the chance to talk about philosophy with a professor who has a doctorate in it, or take a poetry class or learn painting or rock climb?
