Liberal Arts: A Tapestry

The new school year has begun. For me, this means the first three weeks of college education are behind me and now my workload increases. As a former homeschooler, the past three weeks have been an incredible change from the quiet solitude of the home to a classroom setting of multiple students my age. Learning has never been so engaging. While I could comment and relate all the excitement and experience of this fantastic, Catholic college, my enduring impression thus far is one of completeness.

My college’s mission statement is to form the entire human person, body, soul, and intellect, with a dramatically Catholic atmosphere and curriculum. The mission statement already has manifested itself to me through all aspects of life here, most notably in the courses all freshmen are required to attend.

The marvel of our Catholic faith and the rich deposit of truth is how united everything is in the grand scheme. Our course on Classical Literature would be of little value if not for the moral lessons we are given through study of Christian Doctrine. Similarly, Classical Literature provides an enriching, foundational perspective on the History of Western Civilization. The courses could stand on their own, but the fascinating intertwining and mutual embellishment which each course offers the others is priceless. Liberal arts, when well taught, offers an organically cohesive experience.

Perhaps best of all, the classroom experience does not is not limited to desks and blackboards. While the study of mathematics has value and beauty, there can be no argument whether two plus two equals four. In contrast, the liberal arts are so human and engaging that they cannot help but spill out into discussions with fellow students. I love to argue and debate, and with deep questions of morals and faith there is no lack of material for shining conversations – such conversations as will permeate life outside of homework assignments.

As creative writing is among the liberal arts, my first few weeks in college have also changed my outlook on the writing world. The same experience of interconnectedness which each of my courses conveys ought to have a place within the novel. Though not every novel involves historical facts and events or Latin phrases, there is great worth in well-informed, grounded depth in a novel’s plot and characters. No current events, modern sensibilities or philosophies stand alone and apart from history. Every circumstance unfolding around us finds its roots in centuries of history, philosophy, literature, and theology. It is most expedient to any aspiring author to ground themselves in a basic knowledge of our past before extending a helping hand through story to present readers.

Of course, everyone is called to different levels and divisions of study. The college student’s vocation to study is different from that of a man or woman with a family and job to manage. Yes, there is a difference in study time and depth, but the difference does not acquit one of study. Every individual’s study must be balanced to their time and place in life, but they must study nonetheless. If study means the daily reading of the Bible, that reading is incredibly beneficial and will bear great fruit.

No matter life circumstance, the writer must not view his work as an isolated entity. One must learn what has been to know and clearly understand the weight of their creative writing.

Copyright 2022 – Maggie Rosario