It’s 1:00 a.m. and your eyes have lost feeling from staring at that textbook about (insert college major here). At this point, you barely wish to process the words. Maybe you’re an art major memorizing the history of the cubism movement, or a biology major learning the process of RNA synthesis into the wee hours of the morning. At the end of the day, you’re just looking forward to the class being over.
Many college students will be in this situation at some point of their academic career. No matter how much you love your major, exclusively focusing on it can get overwhelming and monotonous. Taking classes in different areas can be satisfying and beneficial in so many ways, even if the tight schedule created by major requirements may leave little time for experimentation. College is a once in a lifetime opportunity, so while you’re here, it is in your best interest to explore some new subjects. Not convinced? Consider these reasons:
1. You’ll get out of a rut
As mentioned, no matter how well your major suits you, taking all your classes in a single academic area can get boring. If you have a hunch that you might enjoy Greek language or you’d just like to learn more about it, don’t be afraid to spice up your schedule! When your other courses are stressing you out, you’ll be able to take a break and have something to look forward to.
2. You can meet and interact with new people.
Starting with my first semester of college, I’ve been seeing the same crowd in most of my classes. It’s a nice change of pace to interact with new people and you could end up with friends you may never have met otherwise. Also, being surrounded by people that don’t have the same academic strengths and weaknesses as you is an eye-opening experience.
3. It’ll be a taste of the real world.
When you have a job, some of your daily tasks may be outside of your academic comfort zone. Say you are a kinesiology major. Part of your job could be writing professional reports—a practice you’re only vaguely familiar with. It’s all fair game in the real world, so getting some preparation now could be a good idea.
4. It makes you more creative (geared towards math, science, and engineering majors)
Different subjects give your brain a chance to think in different ways, which ultimately enhances problem-solving skills and creativity. It’s been proven that strength in the arts is correlated to novelty in scientific fields. According to research done by psychologists Michele and Robert Root-Bernstein, almost all Nobel laureates in the sciences actively engage in arts as adults. They’re “twenty-five times as likely as the average scientist to sing, dance, or act; seventeen times as likely to be a visual artist; twelve times more likely to write poetry and literature; eight times more likely to do woodworking or some other craft; four times as likely to be a musician; and twice as likely to be a photographer.” If you’re a STEM major worried about a humanities or art class not being useful, worry no more!
5. It’s a chance to boost your GPA.
Taking introductory classes is a staple of branching out in college. I’m hesitant to call any class an “easy A,” however, typically, the coursework in these classes isn’t very intense. They’re simply designed to give you a feel of the subject. Put in an appropriate amount of effort and you’re bound to kill it. Who doesn’t want a strong GPA?
6. It will impress future employers.
A diverse course load reflects a willingness to take on challenges and step outside of your comfort zone. These are qualities that potential employers will certainly pick up on and value in candidates. You can even use your experience as an anecdote in interviews. Employers are looking for a person who will go above and beyond to push themselves, and a well-rounded transcript will show them that you are just that.