Communication Studies is not a cop out

TAYLER REVIERE VERNINAS | THE USD VISTA | ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

If you have ever had to tell others what your major is, you have probably said it with either pride, shame, passion, or indifference. You’re ecstatic (or not) because you are working hard for the diploma that will have those few letters printed on it. Each major has it’s own unique stigma, but the positive or negative connotation that comes with it is highly dependent on the individual.

A few weeks ago I was waiting for the trolley to downtown and I was approached by a random stranger who asked my friend and I what we were studying in school. I hesitated to say communication studies only because I was afraid he would somehow look up my information, so I answered with “I’m not sure yet”. Then, he responds with something along the lines of “well you might just end up in either business or communications because that is usually what people get into when they don’t have a direction of what they want to do.”

The first thought that came to mind was how typical for someone to put down communication studies and calling it yet again, communications. Then, I started playing devil’s advocate because I was so irritated at this man who just insulted my major.

So, I took it upon myself to explain what I had learned from my communication theory class. I attempted to explain how certain disciplines within communication contain theories that add credibility to the major as a whole.

But as the trolley pulled up, we went our separate ways and I was disappointed that I couldn’t sum up everything I had to say into a concise and clear argument. There was also so much more I wanted to explain to this man, but my brain could not articulate the right words. Then I realized I shouldn’t be too hard on myself because I still have a lot more to learn. And if there is one thing I know for certain about the study of communication is that it is quite dynamic.

So if you are extremely proud of the major you are studying, good for you keep it up! If others have a tendency to view your major as inferior to their own, don’t let the stigmas that come from these labels deter you from pursuing that unconventional major or minor. In the end, it is learning from all of these classroom discussions and life lessons that enable you to be a better version of yourself. No diploma defines the quality of your character as a unique individual.