STEM and humanities are the basic foundations of the world around us. Together, they build critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity. Today, students are integrated into both fields that will help them prepare later in life. Both subjects make a diverse development for everyone to gain skills.
Gained Skills
Students claim that they benefit from some subjects more than others. Senior Sabrina Vasquez explains, “For me, I enjoy English and the literature you learn is really important. You see how you develop better in writing and in communicating.”
Junior Jamila Nunez added, “Through STEM classes like Biology I feel like I’ve learned more insight on the human body and the different nutrients we intake.”
Senior Triana Suarez stated, “Well, in Hampton’s class we’ve learned so many interesting facts about history. He was very hands-on with his way of teaching the subject and encouraged us to dig deeper and to really analyze the work we’re given.”
Senior Blanca Feddran says, “Some subjects like Early Childhood education can potentially help people become and gain experience about parenting if that’s something that they’re interested in for the future.”
Is STEM in more demand?
Some people believe that STEM is more important. Mathematics teacher and department chairperson Ms. Mungia stated, “I think parents do. And I think it’s because careers in STEM are seen as more stable and in demand. Doctors and nurses are needed always. On the other hand, I think colleges are looking to build a well-rounded class, and that includes having both STEM and humanities majors.”
Sophomore Anna Delgado states, “Parents will always pick STEM more so that their kid can make more money. I think it’s also because for example, they would want to have a daughter that they can be proud of who has a stable and good job.”
Freshman Devina Holmes expressed, “Science is the future; it connects technology and medicine. I feel like subjects like English aren’t as important, just because of the sense that you just look for the answer in the text and you’re done, but for science it’s more thorough and you must be more precise.”
Do humanities still matter?
A student who decided to go anonymous stated, “I’m more into humanities. I enjoy classes like AP Psychology and AP Literature because they make you think outside the box, and considers different interpretations. Which is why I would choose humanities because it really makes you questions things.”
Junior Doris Figueroa added, “I feel like people overlook History a lot. They say that history always repeats itself, and in the state of the current political world, I think it’s more crucial than ever to look at history.”
What if…?
With schools funding most of the resources for the classes and its subjects, it’s important to acknowledge those that should be highly protected. Biology teacher Dr. Yoham stated, “If they were to cut funding, obviously I would have to say the Science department should be the most protected. Science contains all fundamental content including math.”
Freshmen Jocelyn Balladares explained, “The math department helps students expand on their critical thinking skills, and I feel like it helps with the brain and prepares students for real life problem solving.”
Creativity in Both Fields
For both fields, there are different types of ways of building up work within your mind. Sophomore, Emily Soto states, “I think in a way creativity can be found in both fields. For example, in STEM you use problem solving and data use, while in humanities you use reasoning and extend your points, so I think that both fields have their own way of showing creativity even if they are complete opposite.”
English teacher Ms. Evran said, “For STEM creating new inventions like the RNA vaccine requires deep and intellectual thinking that is enhanced with creativity. Humanities itself is built on creativity. It trains your imagination and beyond that.”
