Hometown: Hampton, SC

Minors: Biology & Medical Humanities

During my first two years at CofC, I bounced back and forth between public health and biology majors but couldn’t find that right fit. In my decade-long career as a paramedic, I gained empathy and compassion while developing leadership skills and a knowledge of anatomy. I wanted to incorporate this experience into a flexible interdisciplinary program. One night, I racked my brain for hours to determine what interested me most… anthropology, psychology, biology, sociology, ecology, anatomy, physiology, religion, ethics; they all piqued scientific, introspective learning, but I longed for a deeper dive. I struggled to find a major pathway that allowed me the flexibility to blend topics of keen interest in preparation for a competitive application to nursing school. 

My worries ceased when I found the Bachelor of General Studies program. With this integrative degree path, I could combine two minors: medical humanities and biology.  The beauty of this combination is that each supports the other in a unique way. Biology sets the foundation for the scientific aspect of medicine while medical humanities approaches biology from an “arts” learning lens which promotes deep understanding and always prompts the question “why?”. 

Hometown: Murrells Inlet, SC

Minors: Hospitality and Tourism Management & Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility

After a year as a business major at the University of South Carolina, I moved to Charleston and I started my current job at Hotel Bennet where I discovered my passion for hospitality, and business ethics (specifically relating to sustainability).  With some experience under my belt, I decided to enroll in the general studies at the College of Charleston with minors in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Leadership, Change, and Social Responsibility,  

Through the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment, I learned that my core strengths include adaptability, empathy, and communication. These are crucial for thriving in the hospitality and tourism industry. How many times has a guest’s schedule changed that required adaptability, or a situation arisen that called for effective communication and empathy to accommodate the needs of the guests? 

Another of my core strengths is ideation – suggesting that I am inclined to think of efficient and sustainable solutions. My Leadership, Change and Social Responsibility minor is an ideal match for hospitality because many businesses are shifting towards more socially conscious practices.  

While I don’t know where my future career path will lead, I chose General Studies because I don’t want to be defined by one subject. Rather, I have chosen a major with two minors that capitalize on my strengths. When future employers ask about the degree program, I will have the opportunity to demonstrate my true value by articulating the integrative qualities of my degree program, and by showcasing my strengths as a future employee and leader.