Stage Left, Code Right

Merging Humanities Majors with AI for Financial Success

A Personal Journey: The Allure of Theatre, Marisa Tomei, and Finance Major

Back in the '80s, as a student at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn, I was captivated by our amazing theatre department, particularly enamored with costume design. The school boasted the Joseph Papp Studio Theater, a testament to the legendary Broadway producer and director's commitment to arts education. Papp, born Joseph Papirofsky, was renowned for founding the New York Shakespeare Festival and The Public Theater. He produced groundbreaking shows like "Hair" and "A Chorus Line," which revolutionized Broadway. His donation of the theater to our school reflected his lifelong mission of making theatre accessible to all, especially in underserved communities.

Despite my love for costume design and graduating alongside future Academy Award-winner Marisa Tomei, I realized the theatre world wasn't practical for a poor kid on welfare. After high school, I chose to major in finance, seeking stability and wealth. This decision proved crucial, helping me weather extraordinarily difficult times including an acrimonious five-year divorce battle, single motherhood by default, and a 9/11 breast cancer fight. It allowed me to provide my daughter with a world-class education in private school for 12 years and build an extraordinary support network while living in enviable New York City neighborhoods - unimaginable for a first-generation high school and college graduate.

Back then, choosing a college major was simpler. The slower pace of industry and life meant fewer variables and a more straightforward path to success. It was a different era, but one that set the foundation for my future resilience and achievements.

The Changing Landscape of Career Choices

Today, many students are starting or completing college in a totally remade landscape. Jobs they might have once pursued are either non-existent or completely reframed due to technological advancements like AI. While there's ongoing debate about the merits of humanities versus STEM degrees, one truth remains constant: you can't stand still. AI is here to stay, and the best way to make lemonade out of lemons is to upskill yourself.

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The Importance of Informed Decision-Making

I'm going to say something possibly unpopular now. It's crucial to note that parents have an obligation to help their 17 and 18-year-old children understand that college is as much an economic decision as it is an academic one. Regardless of how passionate a student may feel about a particular field of study, the reality of regret for the many versus the few who hit it big in the more glamorous professions is painful to watch. While following one's passion is admirable, it's equally important to consider the long-term financial implications of a chosen major.

Parents should engage in open, honest conversations with their children about the potential return on investment for different degrees. This doesn't mean discouraging dreams, but rather encouraging a balanced approach that considers both personal fulfillment and financial stability. By providing this guidance, parents can help their children make more informed decisions about their education and future careers.

A Tale of Three Humanities Graduates: Adapting to the AI Era

Matthew, Emily, and Rachel sat in their favorite campus coffee shop, the weight of their impending graduation and looming student debt hanging heavy in the air. They were confronting a harsh reality that many 17 and 18-year-olds fail to fully grasp when choosing their college majors: higher education is as much a financial decision as it is an academic one.