Every day, students wake up, go to school and sit through math, science, English and history class.

Three out of four of these subjects deal with facts, statistics and memorization. English sometimes allows students to use their creativity through creative writing. However, common core has cut out most of the opportunities for creative expression. But the other three core classes encourage students to spend their time memorizing properties and rules.

Math, science and history are all very important classes. But in order for kids to truly realize who they are and what they want to do, they need to be exposed to subjects that involve more thinking and creativity. Schools do not focus on the arts nearly as much as they should, because according to society’s unwritten rules, the arts are not as suitable of a career as engineering or business or medicine.

Electives such as art, choir, theatre and creative writing allow students to fully realize their inner creativity and make something truly beautiful. Also, focusing on the arts and fine arts could help relieve some of the stress that students feel every day due to classes and homework. Because of the common mindset that the easiest way to make a career is not, in fact, in the arts, but in the fields of math and science, students often ignore opportunities to learn about or take part in the arts.

If schools were to encourage students to be creative and unique, there would be much more diversity on campus and relaxation for stressed high schoolers.