By Caitlyn Gerrish – Arts & Culture Editor 

I am a few weeks shy of completing my time at Bishop’s with a bachelor of arts in English literature. While I never regretted my decision to study English lit. for a second (and am lucky enough to have an incredibly supportive family), many people have crossed my path who do not comprehend the significance or importance of the humanities. 

“What are you going to do with an English degree?”, is a question I have been asked by nosy family, friends and doubtful acquaintances more times than I can count. For those accustomed to STEM-related fields of study, the notion of the humanities may seem foreign and absurd. I typically give the same response to all skeptics who cross my path. To study humanities is to study the human condition. I have gotten to know myself better through my studies. I’ve become a more empathetic person and can therefore better process difficult and complex situations. While these skills can be honed while studying any degree (or by not studying at all), the perspectives I have gained as a humanities student differ greatly from someone studying physics, for example. In a world like the one we live in today, diverse point of views on our society is precisely what we need. 

When I sit down to analyze a piece of literature, I am not searching for a single, binary response. There is no right or wrong answer. I reflect on a myriad of possibilities and can appreciate the ones I have never even considered with peers. The humanities are a fertile environment for understanding, empathy and mutual respect. While yes, we may not always agree with one another (as is expected), we can grapple with other possibilities or reasons why there is never one solitary answer. 

The field of humanities is incredibly broad and vast. It can be very hard to pinpoint a single definition. Much like its study reflects, humanities are complex. They do not present a series of steps or procedures to follow to arrive at a definite conclusion. They can be frustrating at times, like any field of study, but at the same time, they teach patience and resilience. Who knew the arts could be so transformative? 

My favourite line I have heard as a rebuttal to the age-old query against the humanities is as follows: “Humanities don’t teach you anything. They teach you everything.” This is simple, but very true. 

In my four years at Bishop’s, I have become a stronger writer, thinker, and communicator. Perhaps more importantly, I have become a more empathetic, resilient and hopeful human. 

As I prepare to leave BU for the last time as a student, I cannot help but hang my hat on the incredible, life-changing opportunities the humanities have provided me. I feel confident to go out into the world and tackle whatever gets thrown my way, and I know I owe a large portion of that confidence to my humanities degree.