Here’s Why You Should Take a Class Outside of Your Major This Fall
For some college students, the stress and expense of their college years can sometimes lead to a hurried approach when it comes to getting their degree. At a certain point, it can become less about what you will learn, but how fast you can get through the required courses to walk across that stage and finally enter the “real world.”
Hold up for a minute. While the end goal remains to attain a college degree, there are many other important goals throughout your years in higher education. Think for a second. When else would you have the opportunity to take a class like CO200: Queen Bees, WannaBees and Mean Girls (Colorado College), or Cow to Cone at Penn State where you could learn the ins and outs of everyone’s favorite dessert.
At many college campuses, students have the opportunity to take these types of fun classes. Make the most of your college years and explore your interests. So you’re a marketing major but you love being outdoors. Take an environmental science class! Are you a history buff but also pride yourself in leading a healthy lifestyle? Get to know your body and take a nutrition course.
Ralph Waldo Emmerson said, “Don’t be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” Try applying this advice when thinking about your class schedule for next semester.
Taking a risk and exploring something new can benefit you in numerous ways.
You may discover your true passion.
You may already think you have it all figured out. It may be hard to initially see the benefit in straying from your career path you have carefully thought out. Taking classes outside of your major can open up new career ideas that tie into your current path or maybe they help you discover what you are more passionate about and change your path entirely. This can be stressful if you decide to change course, but if it’s what you’re meant to be doing you won’t regret it.
It expands your knowledge and makes you more well-rounded.
Most schools will require students to take a number of electives aiming to make students more well-rounded individuals when they graduate. Even if you are extremely passionate about your major and career path, taking a step off that path can help you improve your performance and even further shape your career path.
So go ahead, take a chance and branch out a little bit next semester. You won’t regret it!
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