Emblazoned on my Alma Mater’s crest is the Latin motto “Sapietia et
Scientia.” Translated, it reads “Wisdom and Knowledge.” I believe this
phrase encapsulates my perspective on a liberal arts education. Thinking
back on my undergraduate years, I honestly did not fully understand or
appreciate the benefits the liberal arts would offer me. Over the past
15 years since graduation, however, it has become crystal clear.
A liberal arts education develops the whole person. Specifically,
it lays the foundation upon which success can follow. Being exposed to a
truly diverse but complementary curriculum fosters the development of
critical thinking skills and an appreciation for a vast array of
disciplines. In my career in financial services, the research skills I
honed in my history courses and the in-depth understanding of behavior I
gained in my psychology course have been invaluable to me. The
knowledge earned in my business and finance courses helped me learn the
language of the field in which I eventually found a home.
In my career in financial services, the research skills I
honed in my history courses and the in-depth understanding of behavior I
gained in my psychology course have been invaluable to me.
The liberal arts helps prepare students for the dynamic nature of
post-undergraduate life. After graduation, I began working in the public
sector for the United States Department of Justice. Although it had
been a desire for as long as I could remember, I was eventually drawn in
a different direction. When I left the Department of Justice, I had the
educational background fit for a variety of fields. In my undergraduate
coursework, I was exposed to business and finance courses. I ultimately
chose a career in finance because I enjoyed what I experienced as part
of my liberal arts education in those classes.
Over the past 15 years, I have experienced challenges surmounted
and successes earned. I honestly believe I am where I am today in my
career and life as a direct result of my liberal arts education. Whether
it was in the classroom tackling a variety of topics or interacting
with a diverse student body and faculty, the wisdom and knowledge
imparted prepared me for what has followed. It is true that education is
what you make of it. Just like a great meal, however, the ingredients
matter.