Preventing Major Neglecting

Amanda Torres Garcia

In High Tech High School, an academy where students are offered the opportunity to choose their own majors, it’s easy to see which programs are generally given more attention than others. Our beloved performing arts majors, (Dance, Musical Theater, and Drama), for example, can be recognized all throughout the school. Other majors, including Environmental Science, Culinary Arts, and Computer Programming are also generally known, and talked about throughout the student body. However, what about the majors that aren’t able to actively showcase the talent, and skills that they’re able to offer to the school?

 Majors such as Interactive Media, Graphic Tech, Wood Tech, Bio-med, all often go under the radar. Whether it’s because a small percentage of students take these courses, they don’t get enough exposure, or it’s simply low interest — what’s true is that each of these courses teach practical skills that can be useful in everyday life, college, or future careers.

          Lack of awareness is definitely one of the main factors behind this issue. Some students apply into High Tech without the understanding of what a lot of the majors do. For instance, a student unfamiliar with Interactive Media might not pay much attention as they’ve never worked with digital design, or interactive projects before. There’s also misconception, which majors like Graphic Design, or Advertising Art may face.

Another factor is visibility. Performing Arts majors are able to demonstrate their abilities on stage, and perform in front of large audiences. Their work can be seen throughout school events, productions, or concerts. While other majors could be working on equally important projects, but aren’t recognized as they don’t have a stage to display it.

Obviously, this doesn’t mean any program should receive less attention than the rest. Instead, the school should find more ways to highlight the work all majors do. Using the televisions around the school to show digital work from Graphic Design or Interactive Media students; making events where Biomed students help others learn experiments they’ve learned, or Wood Tech/Industrial Design majors having a “gallery” display of their work. These are a few of many examples of what the school could do to help improve this dilemma.

          Every student in High Tech is contributing something different, and their majors are a big reflection of that. Popularity should not be the only measure of a program’s value. Showcase them more, increase their awareness. If the school wants students to explore all opportunities given to them, then they deserve a chance to be seen. Students should also remember— stop overlooking majors! They’re one of the things that make each of your peers unique.