by Sam Braden
There are two separate hemispheres of the brain, and they each control different aspects of our
thought and physical function processes.
You have probably heard someone referred to as a left or right-side brained person.
The left side of the brain is known to be analytical. These people are traditionally appreciative of numbers, details, schedules, memorization, and methodical thinking. The other side is more creative. People who are described as right-brained tend to be more emotional, imaginative, spontaneous, holistic thinkers, and visual lovers.
Take a moment and reflect on what side of the brain you are.
If you believe that you are more of a left, linear thinker, then you may major in something like
science, math, engineering, or law. If you would assess yourself as a right, creative thinker, then you may major in theater, writing, or public speaking. If you think that you possess a great deal of both halves, then you major in Arts Management. Arts Management is the corpus callosum in this metaphor. The corpus callosum is the area of the brain that combines each hemisphere to make a whole brain. It allows for the two sides to communicate with each other. We all have it, and we all have a place in Arts Management.
When I came to Miami University, I was torn between the pros and cons of selecting one major over another. How to decide between selecting a major that was in the business sector or arts. I really wanted to have a position in higher management in the future. It seemed most logical that if I went into the Farmer School of Business, then I would have a higher chance of accomplishing my goal. I would be taught the skills required for that managerial sort of position– organizing, directing, marketing, planning, and others alike. My left brain would be complete. However, on the other hand, I felt very inclined to be a creative. I love art, and I felt like there would be a lot of personal merit earned by devoting my degree to further understanding all areas of context for art. My right brain would be complete.
Deciding between those two halves of me was hard, and I was scared. I was scared that these four years would go by, and I would feel trapped with a degree that limited me to jobs I would never fully appreciate. With my Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship (AMAE) co-major, there is no choice to be made. I understand that degree is not a direct correlation to career, but I have found comfort within the AMAE program. I can actively utilize both sides of my brain in a welcoming, engaging, and educational community that celebrates both contributions that business and art bring to the world. AMAE taught me that I do not have to sacrifice a whole, half of me to have a successful career.
Sam Braden is a second-year student at Miami University from Washington Court House, Ohio. He majors in Art and Architecture History in addition to a co-major in Arts Management and a Fashion minor. With his career, he projects that his future will put him to work in an Art Director position.