Why I Chose Humanities Stream?

When I first walked into the admission room, 'Humanities' was the last stream on my mind. Like many students, I thought I'd pick science or management, so-called the "safe" stream, like everyone talks about when they speak of success. Just as I was about to choose the stream management, the back of my mind urged me, "Take Humanities". So I listened to my heart and today, I'm grateful every single day that I did.

Here, humanities is often called the "useless stream"; people love to remind me, "Why did you take Humanities? It won't give you any opportunities!" Sometimes they say it kindly, sometimes like an insult. In a conservative world where being a doctor or engineer is the precious golden dream, students like me are expected to feel small for wanting something different.

Here's what other people don't see.  Humanities gave me so much more than a list of subjects or assignments. It gave me freedom to think, question and feel. It gave me beautiful friends for whom I'm forever grateful. 

It has given me knowledge beyond formulas or numerical. It gave me creativity, growth of ideas and dedication to everything that I do. Most importantly, I have learnt to stand out and be different from everyone else. I have learnt to accept myself and challenge myself.

Humanities isn't just a stream; it's a place for growth. A path where dreamers and thinkers find themselves. People think this stream is only for the students who are "weak" or "not smart enough for science or management," but the reality is, I chose to take Humanities not because I'm not capable or smart enough but because I chose to listen to my heart. 

Humanities pushes you to think beyond textbooks; it gives you the gift you don't realize you're gaining. Its scope is diverse: psychology, journalism, law, literature and sociology, much more.

 But beyond these things, it shows you something bigger, it shows you the art, passion and purpose of your life. Take journalism as an example, because of journalists, we are aware of what’s happening around us and in the world. They keep us informed, give people a voice, and show us the reality of the world. It’s a field full of courage and purpose, and it shows us how powerful the humanities can really be.

The choice to take Humanities was the beginning of the purpose of my life. It has been the start of something good, the start of my journey. So if you're stuck on what to do, listen to your inner self inside you that knows your potentials and strengths. Maybe it's telling you to choose what can unexpectedly change your life. "It's never too late to be what you might have been," states George Eliot. One day, the so-called "useless stream" might shape you into the person you were always meant to be. It has changed me, maybe it could change you too!

Grade 11

St. Mary's Secondary School,

Lalitpur