The S.T.E.M. movement can have its roots traced back to 1957, when Russia launched Sputnik I into orbit and reached the final frontier before America. Since then, the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics have been heavily promoted to kids, with a multitude of scholarships and specialized programs being offered so the next generation can prosper. But some argue it’s too much. By putting such an emphasis on success in these jobs, do we diminish the chance of success in others, and discourage kids for chasing dreams that come with a lesser paycheck?

The acronym S.T.E.M. was created in the 90’s in order to make American children more competitive with those from other nations, and to integrate the subjects more effectively in school, so students were not clueless in their later education. This can be seen in this very county, with Aberdeen’s Science and Mathematics Academy and BAHS’ very own Biomedical Science Program.

Mr. Clemmer, the head of BioMed program, can attribute to rigor of the program and the amount of effort every students puts in to their work. “There’s never a dull moment in the classes,” stated Clemmer.

Created in 2007, the program was meant to become a magnet school for students across Harford County interested in the field. But with such a large response, the program was limited to students who lived in the Bel Air High School area two years ago, as there was not enough funds for transporting the students.

So clearly the S.T.E.M. push is achieving its original goal. But the Arts and Humanities are not being lost in process. BAHS’ Drama Company is achieving tremendous strides, being one of the first high schools in the nation to put on the production of Mary Poppins. Bobcat musicians and artists have so many outlets to show their creativity both in school and outside of it, like the Open Mics/Poetry Slams, the showcases in the hallways, and upcoming Variety Show sponsored by the National Honor Society.

With all kinds of clubs to get involved in, it is almost impossible not to find one that fits your niches (or create one if you can’t). But let us not divide ourselves based on these. The best mathematicians and scientists were great because they could think outside of the box; we remember artists and authors because they created art that have some much thought and logic behind them. No person solely defines themselves based on one adjective.

So let us not forgot the original motive that S.T.E.M. was assembled to do: incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math into the curriculum and cross the boundary lines we have placed between subjects. Blends of typical “science” and “humanities” courses are evident in our culture today. Take for example, EDM, or electronic dance music. Technology is being used to create an ever growing genre music, and this genre couldn’t exist with solely an education focused in one of these subjects.

We run into trouble with anything when we force students to pick one and ignore all others. So let’s not get caught up into dividing ourselves on whether we excel in physics or music. And let’s not antagonize the fields we are not a part of, for we need both to make the world thrive. So let’s push forward with S.T.E.M., and not forget other subjects in doing so.