The Power of Humanities: Thinking Beyond the Classroom by Pennie Hunt

Do you remember your favorite high school class? What made it your favorite? Was it the teacher, the classmates, the subject, the time of day, or something else?

For me, it was my sophomore year, and I took a Humanities class. I will admit that at the time I did not know what that word meant. It was in a group of elective classes, and I needed to pick one.

I am guessing the description for the class looked something like this:
HUMANITIES: Exploring Human Culture
This course provides an introduction to the major ideas, artistic movements, and literary works that have shaped human civilization. Students will study a variety of disciplines, including history, philosophy, literature, music, and visual arts, to gain a deeper understanding of cultural development and human expression. Through reading, discussion, and creative projects, students will explore themes such as individual identity, ethical dilemmas, and the role of the arts in society.

I had already taken fun electives, like photography, interior design, and art, so I thought I would take a chance on humanities. After all, it seemed a bit off the beaten path of math and science (not my favorites), and I liked the idea of ‘creative projects.’ I was all in.

I received the syllabus on the first day of class. I was pretty intrigued by the areas we were going to study, but I stopped at the date scheduled to visit a funeral home. What? Nope. No way. I was sure I would be home sick that day.

Every day in class I was increasingly intrigued with what we were learning. It is interesting what stays embedded in our minds. I can’t tell you the teacher’s name, but I remember the concepts we learned and the day at the funeral home. At 16 I had only been to one funeral home. It was a deep memory of being with my grandmother when I was about four. During a shopping day she took me to a visitation. I remember walking by the casket and seeing a woman lying in it. I will never forget her bright red lipstick and the uneasy feeling I had.

That feeling came right back to me as our class walked through the door of the funeral home. I remember the discussion while we were there. It was about death and the process of grief. Our guide then took us downstairs to a room filled with display caskets. I thought it was so odd. Assorted colors of wood. Different linings. Different chrome and gold handles. I am not sure I took a breath the entire time we spent in that room, but I do remember deeply breathing in the fresh air when we left the building.

That semester in Humanities class made me think. For years I thought about how we are all connected as people. How music and art play a deep role in history and the culture of time. How communication connects human to human – no matter how the communication happens. And that day at the funeral home left me thinking about life- how we arrive, how we depart, and everything in between and after.

I had no idea that one Humanities class would be so interesting and impactful.
It spurred questions and critical thinking to continue throughout my life. I have experienced and carried with me personal journeys through grief, which have taken me to many funeral homes. I have a degree in Communication because I believe everything that happens in life (good and bad) comes down to communication. I feel deeply that all humans are connected. I believe if we hurt, others feel our pain. It shaped my values and beliefs. It spurred my compassion and empathy for others.

I had no idea all of this would play out so profoundly in my life. The word humanity is from the Latin humanitas for "human nature, kindness.” Humanity includes all humans and refers to the kind feelings humans have for each other.

We all should take a refresher course in Humanities.
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                                                   Pennie’s Life Lesson:
                                         When the world feels off balance,
                   look for humanity- kindness, and compassion for others. 
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YOUR TURN...        
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