A liberal arts education can mean almost anything. Since liberal arts encompasses such a wide spectrum of thoughts and ideas, its definition likewise is expansive in detail. I chose a liberal arts style education for the security of my future. In going to a place where I know I would gain a sufficient amount of knowledge in a plethora of subjects gives me the assurance that there will always be a job out there for me. By not settling on one subject too soon I will not be knowledgeable in only one area. This is important for the competitive job market that my future life indubitably leads to.
(picture by cmorephotos, flickr.com) As of right now I have an idea of what I want to accomplish in my life, but what if that all changes? At a liberal arts college I have both the freedom and opportunity to explore different fields of study. If I find I am unhappy with what I am studying, I can easily find something I like more. Or if I really do enjoy what I am studying, I still have the option to study a variety of things within my electives, so that not all of my courses coincide with my major. This is perfect whether I am unsure with my choices or if I just want a little variety in my life.
Within a liberal arts college there are not only options for different styles of education, but there are also many opportunities to expand socially. In a college atomosphere that stresses the importanct of choice, there are many different areas in which a student can participate, whether it be in clubs or sports. In an atomosphere that nurtures creativity and individualism, there is a variety of areas in which you can continue doing what you love or branch out to do something new. This gives the opportunity to broaden the spectrum in which people think about or interact with other people, whether they are of the same or different cultures.
Liberal arts colleges stress the importance of community. Even though individuality and independence is viewed as important, liberal arts still makes it possible for people to come together and learn how to interact through their likenesses and differences. In the smaller atmosphere that is the University of Mary Washington, I feel as if I now belong to a tight-knit community that will ultimately change my views on the world. Through the security of options both academically and socially, I feel as if I am set to become an adult. In this enviroment I am confident that I will not only be able to successfully become a functioning member of society, but have fun while doing it.
Professor Groom said,
September 4, 2006 at 4:30 am
Kathy,
You touch on several interesting points here, and one in particular made me think about the idea of a liberal arts education in yet another nuanced way. “Through the security of options both academically and socially, I feel as if I am set to become an adult.” How does a liberal arts education prepare you differently to become an adult than, say, a technical college or an apprenticeship in a trade or the immediately joining the workforce after high school? .
Your discussion of both the individual and communal elements of a liberal arts experience are also very revealing. For as your post suggests, to become a mature thinker one must take part in an open and communal process of education to reap the individual benefits.
Kristin Gauta said,
September 4, 2006 at 10:15 pm
I liked the picture that showed all of the different posters and flyers to get involved. Having just got back from “club carnival”, the picture proved to be very true of a liberal arts college.
Kristen Kelleher said,
September 4, 2006 at 10:19 pm
Vague, but intriguing. ” A liberal arts college can be almost anything”.