Kristi Schultz Broughton Liberal Arts Essay Contest

New Ways to See the World: The Value of a Liberal Arts Education

A liberal arts education is intended to diversify your worldview, expand your perspective, and prepare you with a broad range of knowledge. This education should grant you the flexibility and intellectual skills to deal with the complexity of our ever-changing world. Is there a specific moment from your experience at Butler in which your liberal arts education encouraged you to change how you think about your community, your social responsibility, or your place in the world?

It’s About The People

by Mia Traverse

“Well-rounded student,” “holistic approach,” “broad-based.” These are all phrases that I’ve heard when referring to a liberal arts education. For a long time, I used to think that the term was equivalent to “gen eds,” which, in all honesty, I would respond to with a groan and eye-roll. For someone who knew early on what she wanted to pursue as a career, having to spend time in areas outside my current interests seemed like a waste of time. However, upon coming to Butler, I soon found that many people were not exclusive in their passions. In fact, there are many other music majors such as myself who have deep interests rooted in subjects outside of the arts. It wasn’t until recently when I was talking with a friend that I realized the true purpose of a liberal arts education was less about classes and subjects and more about the people and ideas they share. Such interactions make me immensely grateful to be learning at Butler, where the experiences that take place outside of an academic setting are just as impactful as the lessons learned within a classroom.

                One of the greatest discoveries that I’ve made in my own liberal arts education is that the most meaningful lessons are typically those that are not in a traditional classroom or academic setting. Rather, these usually take the form of experiences found in everyday interactions. This was showcased one particular day when I had dinner with my friend. As we were eating together at Midtown provisions, we talked about a range of topics, from music to school to life. It was a very engaging conversation, and he constantly asked for my thoughts. At some point, we came upon the subject of capitalism, a topic that he was very knowledgeable and passionate about. He asked me, “You know what I mean?” Unfortunately, I did not, and I avoid absent-mindedly pretending to understand something that I actually do not. I replied honestly regarding my lack of knowledge, following up by asking him to explain his point of view to me. It was that moment that I realized even though I had not previously cared about the details of capitalism, I did care about hearing his thoughts. Had I gone to a different type of college, a conservatory, for example, I might not have had that conversation. Even though I love music, I also love being able to discuss life concepts outside of that. Thus, while my interests lay primarily in music, I am even more invested in my friends, and that expands my view beyond my own world and opens it to others’ perspectives.

            My experience with my friend is not an exclusive one; I have since found many instances in which I almost missed the bigger picture – cases where people have something to say outside of our academic degree. I realized that being so focused on a single goal can blind an individual to the bigger, beautiful picture. If I kept my eyes solely fixed upon becoming a band director, I might miss the unique encounters and opportunities that lay upon the path to get there. I’ve learned that I have classmates who speak several languages as a result of an intersection of different cultural backgrounds, or professors who deeply care about their students more than I ever anticipated, or friends who have their own distinct way of saying phrases that it’s become a defining characteristic. All of these little details are of utmost importance to understanding those around me. As an education major, I learn how it matters to understand students’ lives outside of the classroom. It can be easy to grant that kind of grace and interest for kids, but sometimes, it can be easy to forget that the same principles apply when working with peers. Yet, such a difference it makes to know even just a few facts about people that lie outside of school! The world is made up of people, and liberal arts seeks to emphasize just that, opening students’ eyes to a wide range of perspectives.

            It seems funny to have realized such a crucial lesson when all along, that’s been something I’ve always valued in my relationships with others. In fact, my favorite professors have not been those who are most knowledgeable in their subject, but rather those who show an interest in my life. For example, I have a professor who often asks me about my dogs and will even tell me stories of his own pet. Truly, it’s not the big gestures that matter, but the small moments, for this was a professor who understood that identity is not singular. I was not just a student or musician to him, but someone who had a personality and interests beyond my role in the classroom. People like him make others feel seen, and a liberal arts education is meant to help us see the world around us. I believe understanding others beyond surface level relationships is key to expanding our viewpoint and getting a bigger picture. Unlike what I previously thought, this doesn’t diminish the value of your personal interests. Rather, it gives them more meaning because they are now placed within the context of the world around you.

            My professor once told me, “It’s about the people.” That phrase sticks with me as I interact with others in my life. I’ve come to realize that, yes, liberal arts is focused on connection outside of your own interests. Yet its definition is much broader than what I first assumed. It is about connection, not just between subjects, but also – and probably more importantly – between people. Going to Butler and interacting with professors, classmates, and friends, I’ve realized that I do have interests outside of music. I am interested in people, and as long as that remains at the heart of my philosophy, I will continue to lean into and be grateful for the experiences and connections that Butler’s liberal arts education provides.