The Battle Between a Degree and Creativity: Which Matters More?

0

Precious Oyewande

Art transcends boundaries, speaking a language that resonates deep within the soul. Yet, its value is often confined to classrooms, where grades and deadlines overshadow its transformative power. But what if art is more than just a skill to master or a subject to study? Beyond the confines of academic walls, artistic pursuits unlock profound personal growth, cultivate empathy, and ignite the imagination in ways that no curriculum can measure.

This article delves into why the pursuit of art outside the classroom is not just a pastime but a vital journey toward self-discovery, human connection, and the unbridled expression of creativity that shapes our world. We live in a world where the pursuit of knowledge is celebrated, yet we fail to acknowledge that knowledge is not just facts and figures. True knowledge comes from the balance of intellectual development and creative expression. We are producing a generation of bookworms without souls, marching towards a future without imagination or empathy. Are we satisfied with such a bleak prognosis? Or can we still steer the ship towards a brighter horizon?

It’s a troubling trend that has been steadily gaining momentum over the past few decades: fewer and fewer students are opting to pursue artistic courses in favor of “practical” subjects. While it’s true that STEM-related subjects can lead to lucrative careers, we mustn’t forget that the arts are the lifeblood of creativity, empathy, and human connection. However, this vital part of our education is being neglected, if not entirely forgotten, as students are pressured to choose practical subjects in an increasingly competitive job market.This shift away from the arts has significant consequences, not just for individual students but for society as a whole. Without exposure to the arts, students miss out on the opportunity to develop skills like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence – all crucial components of a well-rounded education.

While intellectualism is undoubtedly a valuable pursuit, it can also be limiting when it comes to the development of creativity and artistic expression. Students who excel in academic subjects may struggle to find their artistic side, as they’ve been conditioned to prioritize logic, efficiency, and practicality over experimentation, intuition, and emotional depth.The truth is, art doesn’t conform to the same rigid structures and rules that govern traditional academic subjects. It can’t be measured or evaluated in the same way, and it’s precisely this unpredictability and subjectivity that make it so vital. By forcing students to prioritize intellect over imagination, we risk stifling their creative potential and limiting their ability to find joy and fulfillment in artistic pursuits

For young people, the quest for academic achievement and good grades can be all-consuming, but it’s crucial to remember that success is about more than just numbers on a transcript. In neglecting their artistic potential, students miss out on the profound benefits that come with discovering and expressing themselves through creative pursuits. The arts help us connect with our emotions, explore our unique perspectives, and learn to communicate with others in new and powerful ways.

Artistic pursuits have the unique ability to nurture personal growth by encouraging introspection, resilience, and a sense of purpose. When you engage in artistic creation, you delve into your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, fostering self-awareness. This process not only helps in understanding yourself better but also cultivates patience and perseverance as you strive to perfect your craft. Challenges in art—whether learning a new instrument, experimenting with painting techniques, or mastering choreography—teach adaptability and problem-solving, skills that transfer seamlessly into all areas of life.Art is often viewed as separate from professional success, but the skills cultivated through artistic exploration are highly transferable to various careers. Creative thinking, honed through artistic practice, is invaluable in problem-solving and innovation. Many industries seek individuals who can think outside the box, communicate effectively, and approach challenges with fresh perspectives—traits inherently developed through art. Furthermore, pursuing art can lead directly to careers in design, media, advertising, education, and beyond, demonstrating its versatility in a professional context. Furthermore, many companies are realizing that diversity of thought and experience can lead to more innovative and effective solutions. This means that being able to bring a unique perspective, cultivated through artistic pursuits, can be a major asset in the job market.

Artistic discovery provides a powerful means for expressing ourselves in ways that words alone cannot capture. Whether it’s painting, writing, playing music, or dancing, artistic expression allows us to communicate our thoughts, emotions, and experiences in ways that are uniquely our own. By engaging with our artistic side, we learn to trust our instincts, hone our creative skills, and find our voice in the world.In today’s rapidly changing world, the traditional markers of success, like academic grades and standardized test scores, are no longer enough to guarantee a fulfilling and successful future. Employers, educators, and society at large are increasingly recognizing that innovation and creativity are essential qualities for success in many fields.This shift in priorities has created a demand for young people who are not just good at memorizing facts or passing exams but who also possess the ability to think outside the box, generate original solutions, and communicate effectively.

Creativity and innovation are key in many modern industries, from tech startups to marketing agencies. By cultivating artistic skills, individuals can bring a fresh perspective and an ability to generate novel solutions to problems. Artistic pursuits foster leadership skills, as they often require collaboration, teamwork, and effective communication thereby encouraging global connections by organizing student exchanges or inviting visiting artists from around the world. This way exposing students to different artistic traditions and broaden their perspectives. Artistic expression can help students stand out in a crowded job market by demonstrating their unique skills, interests, and creativity. In this new landscape, it’s essential for young people to develop skills that can’t be easily automated, like creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

The university board should allocate dedicated spaces for artistic expression, such as dance studios, music practice rooms, or art galleries, provide students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in their creative work. These spaces often feature specialized equipment and tools that students might not have access to otherwise. offering collaborative opportunities for students, such as ensemble performances for musicians or group exhibitions for visual artists, can help students develop their teamwork skills and gain valuable experience working with others in a creative setting. investing in the latest technology and innovative approaches to art, such as 3D printing or virtual reality, can provide students with a cutting-edge artistic education that prepares them for the rapidly changing creative landscape.Allowing students to transform their digital designs into tangible objects. This hands-on approach encourages them to think spatially and explore forms and structures in ways traditional methods cannot. For example, creating intricate sculptures or architectural models becomes feasible even for beginners.

If you’re a student who has a passion for art, don’t be afraid to pursue it. Seek out opportunities to learn, grow, and collaborate with others, whether it’s in university, online, or through local organizations. Your creativity and vision are valuable, and they deserve to be nurtured and shared with the world. So go forth and create, and know that your art has the power to inspire and transform our world for the better.The path to a successful artistic career can be challenging, but it’s important to never give up on your dreams. As the famous artist Vincent van Gogh once said, “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

photo credit: LinkedIn

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *