by Sharon Liu, NY6 Think Tank Fellow
I thought it would be best to look more at Hamilton alumni, to see what they have done after graduation and where they have gone. One article sent towards my direction was written by A.G. Lafley ’69, a Hamilton alum who also majored in History. One thing that stood out in particular for me was Lafley’s analogy of the liberal arts as “cross training for the brain.” In short, Lafley’s experience as the former CEO of Procter & Gamble led him to find that the liberal arts allows people to develop their mental dexterity by studying the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences and languages. While he contends that there is a need for specialization, Lafley says that an education that is too specialized can be limiting in other ways a person can contribute.
I found that this article was very thought provoking, as I believe many students forget the importance of the humanities within a liberal arts college. In trying to do specialize in a specific major or career path, students fail to take advantage of the liberal arts institution and curriculum. Rather than come into Hamilton or any liberal arts institutions with a plan of the exact classes and major you intend to follow, come in with an open mind. Instead, one should take the humanities class that may not have been enjoyable in high school or seem challenging. Students should take advantage of the open curriculum, a unique opportunity that Hamilton offers.
For more writings by Sharon, please go here.
I thought it would be best to look more at Hamilton alumni, to see what they have done after graduation and where they have gone. One article sent towards my direction was written by A.G. Lafley ’69, a Hamilton alum who also majored in History. One thing that stood out in particular for me was Lafley’s analogy of the liberal arts as “cross training for the brain.” In short, Lafley’s experience as the former CEO of Procter & Gamble led him to find that the liberal arts allows people to develop their mental dexterity by studying the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences and languages. While he contends that there is a need for specialization, Lafley says that an education that is too specialized can be limiting in other ways a person can contribute.
I found that this article was very thought provoking, as I believe many students forget the importance of the humanities within a liberal arts college. In trying to do specialize in a specific major or career path, students fail to take advantage of the liberal arts institution and curriculum. Rather than come into Hamilton or any liberal arts institutions with a plan of the exact classes and major you intend to follow, come in with an open mind. Instead, one should take the humanities class that may not have been enjoyable in high school or seem challenging. Students should take advantage of the open curriculum, a unique opportunity that Hamilton offers.
For more writings by Sharon, please go here.