I am a Design major and I am proud.
It has taken me a while to feel comfortable saying such words.
I grew up in a town that shunned the idea of anything that wasn’t science or math. It just so happens, I got involved in everything that did not involve science or math.
I was in drama, sports, choir, colored away to my heart’s desire, won awards for photography, took film classes, and so much more. From a young age, my parents saw that my future would probably involve a path that was something artistic. When it came to that dreadful time of college apps in high school, I was always asked what major I wanted to go into and with hesitation, I would say probably something to do with art. I never heard of majors that weren’t something in STEM, so I never knew what to say.
I can remember one moment in my freshman year geography class when the girl next to me had asked what I wanted to do with my life (yes, the students at my high school thought that far ahead in what they wanted to do with their lives), and of course, I said art. Almost immediately I was told that I would never make any money and should reconsider.
So, here I am.
I have just begun my second year in college as a Design major (with an emphasis in fashion) and minoring in Textiles and Clothing and I do not plan to give up anytime soon. It may have taken me some time to feel proud and I may continue to get negative comments, but I am doing what I love.
It is disheartening to hear such negative comments when it comes to liberal arts or anything under the sun that isn’t in the STEM field. Many may not realize that everything we touch and use has gone through the design process. There is a designer for everything. From the paintings, we hang in our living room, to the clothes on our back, to the newest iPhone, our furniture, the building we live and work in, to our city streets, to music, to the layout of a website, and much more.
Design is everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
Our modern society needs to realize that having a career that isn’t STEM-oriented is not the end of the world. In fact, it’s anything but. These careers are what help society progress culturally. They might not be trying the find the cure to cancer, but they are doing things that are just as important. They are the writers, the musicians, the teachers, the designers, and the actors of the next generation. By incorporating messages into their work, designers cleverly help influence society. Without them, we would not be able to enjoy the luxuries we like to have in our free time. There would be no books, films, music, new fashion, and no one to teach our kids. I think it is about time we show a little more respect to those that are brave enough to break the status quo and appreciate the work they have gifted to the world.