Part 1:
After reading The Value of the Humanities, I have a deeper understanding of this study’s significance and why they must persist in American education. To me, these studies are significant because they focus on a range of human influence and action. From reflecting on our history to the modern day, The humanities provide me an understanding of why things are the way they are and how we got here collectively as a society with our culture. For example, I recall an introduction writing class I took my first year at UNE. We discussed a range of topics but one that stood out was an article on the #Metoo movement. Even at an early stage, studying the humanities from a professional standpoint enlightened me on how group consensus and awareness propel society forward or make waves as to what we perceive as relevant in that point in societal development. Professionally, I’ve been able to expand my vocabulary and strengthen my language to accurately communicate the subject I’m discussing. I have also gained a cause and effect understanding in the relationship between society and its governing force, the relationship between education and policy. Several of Small’s claims stood out to me and resonated with how I view the humanities and their purpose. For example, her second claim states that ‘the humanities are useful to society in ways that put pressure on how the government commonly understands its use’. I connect this to how the disciplines invoke individual thought and challenge existing norms and assumptions within society. Understanding her second claim means recognising the importance of decision making and how it affects the populations. This idea of questioning authority and normalcy also plays into her fourth claim that ‘Democracy Needs Us’. I also appreciated her third claim that highlights the humanities contribution to the individual and collective pursuit of happiness. When I think of the humanities, I think of disciplines that appeal to the natural curiosity of humans. These studies pursue questions like who, what, when, where, why and so on that fuel our need for answers and origins. My take away from this reading is that sometimes all you need is one reason to null the bias of others.
Part 2:
When I imagine what type of jon I will do, I hope it’s with people who are passionate and driven like I on the subject and I hope to make improvements through my work. I enjoy collaborating with other team-members as it’s less stressful than being the only idea machine. Group work is important to me because it will yield different perspectives and ideas I may not have come up with independently. Working with a range of people means different experiences to draw from when it comes to creating something new. I enjoy the relationship that is built through teamwork and the commonality when we succeed or need to rethink. Another goal I hope for in my future career is that I’m not stuck working a desk job. I understand in my field of communications, there is inevitable desk work that must be done, but I aspire to be in the field, be with the subject or focus of the work, it will help me create a stronger connection to my work and drive purpose as to why I do what I do. I currently aspire to work in environmental communications which I will gain more experience in throughout the Fall ‘25 semester. Currently, the demands of my internship this semester align with what I’ve learned in class. Some responsibilities that I’m proficient in include, collaboration on graphic designs to market materials, collaborate on strategic marketing plans for foundations programs, maintain and envelope social media presence. These responsibilities are attainable because I’ve practiced them all throughout my undergraduate career; in technical writing classes, social media internship, and media production classes. I strive to captivate my audience and make them passionate about the message I want to get across. As I come to the end of my undergraduate studies, there is more crossover in my academics to my developing professional work every semester. Right now, I am still able to practice these skills and hone in on what I can improve. My humanities degree gives me a range of skills that aid any field in translating information to others not as versed. As I develop professionally, I’ll be able to look at various subjects from different perspectives and through clear and concise communication, prepare for various circumstances through my growing various experiences.
