An Unexpected Message

College students are told to pick a “useful” major.
They should pick a major that will secure a job after graduation. Subjects that come to mind are business, engineering, and pre-med.
Students that choose the humanities don’t get much respect from friends and family. It is not considered a practical choice in today’s economy.
But that has not stopped students across the country from majoring in the humanities. So why continue with such a frivolous course of study?
My philosophy teacher asked this question two years ago in an introductory class. It was answered with silence.
Until I raised my hand.
“Well, I know I’m majoring in English because it’s always been my favorite subject. Even though people tell me the only job I’ll ever get is a teaching position.”
“You never considered something else?”
“Well, yeah. I originally came to Case to do biochemistry, but decided I’d be miserable if I did that.”
“Well, I’m glad you chose to do what you wanted, instead of what pays.”
And that was the end of the conversation. I didn’t think much of it.
Later that night I sat down at my computer. I checked my facebook. I procrastinated writing a paper. I checked my email and saw a [no subject] message from my philosophy professor.
It was a short, but heartfelt message. He said that he was thinking about what I said in class today—and he wanted to let me know that he admired me for doing what I loved. He told me to never let anyone make me feel lesser because I was doing something that made me happy. And he said that since I’m following my passions I will be a better person and have a better soul because of it.
I’ll never forget that message. I wish every English major at this university would receive a similar message during their time at Case. It will stay in my mind as an encouraging and kind gesture from a professor who could relate to my decisions.
Two years later and I’m still thrilled with my decision to study English literature. I am planning on going to law school, and I can see that there are still plenty of Case students who choose to study the humanities. I hope that this blog will be a place to share news, stories, and ideas about humanities at Case Western.