We’ve all seen it. STEM. Science. Technology. Engineering. Math. This idea has been put forth in many forms, and almost all of them are positive. There is still a huge discussion around “Girls in STEM” and while I am all for the empowerment of women in these typically male-dominated areas, I still find it problematic.
Here’s why.
I am very proud to say that I am an Arts kid. I’ve been fortunate to work in two areas related to my field of study (English) right out of school, and not fall victim to the barista fallacy. Even now, as a woman in tech, people often look at me like I’m crazy for having taken English, or before I get to talk about where I work, they are ready to ask me, “Really? What do you with that?” Quite honestly, what can’t you do with a degree in English or any of the arts?
A few months back, I read about the new STEAM phenomenon, which is Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. People who take arts courses in school are said to be better communicators, more methodical, organized, disciplined, and perceptive. In a nutshell, the consensus is those in the four major STEM fields need to take part in the arts to truly succeed. No one wants a doctor that is a poor communicator or has trouble expressing empathy. These studies are still in their early stages, but I do believe there is some merit to what they’ve offered thus far.
Taking arts courses gives you the chance to be expressive, think outside of the box, and train yourself in something that likely takes you out of your comfort zone. The arts gets a lot of flack, especially in politics, but I truly believe that even if it’s not your area of study, you will be pleasantly surprised what you can take from the arts and apply to everyday life.
For instance, I’ve been heavily learning how to use Salesforce in my job. At first, it seemed very foreign and reminded me of the first time that I tried to sight-read a piece of music. It was slow at first, but already I am much faster at navigating the different tabs and deciphering what the different abbreviations mean. As with anything, if you discipline yourself and are willing to take the time to “learn the foreign language,” you will become more patient with not only yourself, but with any similar tasks going forward.
Please understand that I am not staying that STEM should be left behind. We need them for pretty much everything in our modern world. I am saying to appreciate the arts and take part when you have the chance. If you’re finished school, maybe challenge yourself and try learning a new instrument, or a new language, or try to read more each day. Your mind will thank you for keeping it sharp, and you will see changes in your day-to-day at work. That much I know for sure.
Khadijah Plummer Consulting 