“What are you doing next year?” This question echoes in the halls of countless secondary schools. It lingers in the air at family get-togethers.
It has hovered there since September, and shows no signs of leaving.
Some Grade 12 students are lucky. They have known for months that Queen’s University in Kingston is for them – they want to study engineering, but will settle for science if necessary.
Other students aren’t so sure, but they really love the arts.
“A theatre degree? What are you going to do with that?”
It’s likely many Grade 12 students will be making decisions over the holidays about where to apply. And the bigger question: what program to apply for.
It’s not going out on a limb to say that some of them will be leaving their passion for art, music or theatre behind to pursue math or science programs. These programs, as well as those in the business or technology field, are more likely to lead to a professional career, after all.
But is the responsible approach to choosing one’s future becoming the only approach?
Generally there are still more students in general arts programs than in engineering or science, but applying for a fine art program or theatre degree is less common.
Maybe this is because post-secondary school is so expensive. Is upwards of $25,000 in debt worth it to study music if it won’t lead to a career?
Yet anyone who has gone to college or university knows half of it is the experience, regardless of program choice. It’s about higher learning, specialized courses, and for some, learning to cook without Mom and Dad.
But music, fine art and theatre programs demand that their
students need to think critically as well. Students learn about the history and theory of the art form, and have exams and tests just like hard science students.
The main difference? The thrill of performance.
But parents who push their child to study health sciences at McMaster University when they want to audition for a spot in Wilfred Laurier University’s music program are justified.
After all, Canada needs more doctors, not pianists. Computer engineers, not dancers.
But people need something to stimulate them, something that doesn’t feel like work.
Don’t abandon the responsible route when picking a university or college, but don’t disregard personal talent either.
High school students are full of potential, and therefore, when they choose a program, make sure they are driven by passion.