There is no limit to the applications science, technology, engineering and math careers have in today’s world.
As a student double majoring in microbiology and life sciences communication, it may come across as biased for me to say there is no such thing as too much emphasis on STEM majors and careers, but it is painstakingly clear that STEM careers are vital.
On the surface, it may seem as if the arts are not as important to me, but that is far from the truth. As a freshman at the University of Wisconsin I originally intended to pursue a degree in fine arts with an emphasis on graphic design.
There were many factors that played into my decision to pursue science, but it was never because there was too much pressure on me to go into a STEM career. In fact, it was anything but.
STEM careers are the pillars of society. Discoveries are made every day that change the face of modern medicine, science and society. There is almost nothing that hasn’t benefited from the discoveries made within the STEM fields.
And yet, some people believe there is too much pressure on students to pursue STEM majors.
When I initially spoke with an academic advisor about declaring microbiology as my major, he warned me it would be difficult simply because I was a woman, and women continue to be underrepresented in scientific fields.
There have been days where I am in a laboratory for hours on end while friends are enjoying nice weather outside. If you’ve ever been in a summer lab class or have worked in a research lab during the summer, you understand the struggle of having to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes in the heat of August.
I haven’t had the same opportunities my Letters & Sciences friends have had. Studying abroad is much harder when classes are specified within STEM majors. Often, going out with friends has to be sacrificed for studying or going to the lab.
There have been times when I’ve seriously wondered why I didn’t choose to follow my original path instead of choosing to go into science.
I understand humanities majors are equally as rigorous and demanding in different ways but there are times where I would rather be doing still-life studies than memorizing metabolic pathways.
When it boils down to it, the world needs STEM majors. To continue advancing our technologies, expanding our understanding of the natural world and improving our infrastructure, college students must continue to pursue degrees in these fields.
This isn’t to say art isn’t important. In my opinion, I believe it is one of the most fundamental pieces of the human experience. Because of this, there could never be enough emphasis on STEM careers.
Art and history are engrained in humanity, transcending time and culture. These pieces of the human experience will always endure, no matter how many students choose to follow these degree paths.
It isn’t an issue of what is more important than the other, but rather what is needed. It is foolish to try and argue that more people are needed in the humanities than STEM fields, because it is simply not true. STEM careers affect everything, and so there will always be a need for more individuals in the fields.
Trying to complain about too much emphasis on STEM majors is the equivalent to a petulant child whining for attention. There is nothing wrong with being proud of whatever you choose to major in, but there is no reason to take up arms against something that is responsible for almost every single necessity and leisure we have in our lives today.
Hannah Fricke ([email protected]) is a junior majoring in microbiology and life sciences communication.
