Why I Choose to Study Anthropology

When I stepped into the “Introduction to Anthropology” class as a 16-year old freshman, the youngest college student in the class, I found the perfect fusion of both natural and social science. Intermingled in the study of humanity were the concepts of human body and the human mind. Both body and soul were vital, equal parts in defining a human. As I learned about the evolution of the human species and the uniqueness of the human mind I found a new approach to life. My new approach to life has led me to be tolerant, perceptive, and plan my future. Through tolerance I have become more understanding and interested to learn about cultural differences. By being perceptive I see things differently; I have noticed the aging process, and maturation as an inevitable step of life sprouting from my knowledge in evolution. I plan in the future not only to be a medical doctor, but to pursue ethnographic fieldwork. I would like to explore new cultures, live among various communities, learn about human social phenomena, and eventually publish my research.

My education is more than the classes I plan to take. It is my passion to focus on the study of anthropology. This study of humanity is an enlightening field, which  stimulates my thoughts. I took many classes such as psychology, sociology, biology, and chemistry. In these classes I learned challenging new information that explained the human species. I first enrolled in college as a savvy biology major because it seemed most practical in that it fulfilled my goal to attend medical school and become a doctor. I realized anthropology is the necessary background I need to learn what I can about the human species and become a successful doctor. I am undoubtedly in interested in biology, but I also have repressed feelings for using thought and reason in my studies. Incorporated in anthropology was what I couldn’t find in another class: I found the study of science, culture, history, sociology, and humanity. Anthropology allowed me to use both conceptual and abstract thought.

More importantly, anthropology instilled many qualities essential to my growth and development. Its values of relativism and truth have shown me to be tolerant and curious. For example, prior to my study of anthropology, I would not have wondered about my friend Martin, who was born and raised in Hong Kong. Now I find myself interested about my foreign friend and chatting over coffee about life in Hong Kong. Although I had traveled the city this summer, Martin had taught me more about city life then I had witnessed. Anthropology also values others’ accounts as vital parts in ethnographic research. Research or a chat with my friend has nevertheless inspired me to learn more.The most fulfilling reward will be using the knowledge I acquire in order to help other people.

By understanding people, I can treat their problems as a fellow human being through sensitivity, and in the future, through medicine.