Jonathan Schwartz '95 is a pastor.
After Wheaton, I went on to receive a Master of Divinity and I am now a Presbyterian pastor living in Chattanooga, TN, working on a Doctor of Ministry.
It was certain from the time I was a freshman at Wheaton that this is what I was called to do. While I love studying Scripture and theology, history has always been a great love of mine.
Having a history degree from Wheaton is valuable in at least two ways. First, it is immediately applicable to my ministry because knowing church history and learning from the past helps me to gain historical perspective and great inspiration both for my congregation and for me to live out our faith today. Secondly, just having a good working knowledge of history helps me to be well-informed about the major people and events that have shaped our world. The liberal arts approach is so strong because it does not just prepare people for jobs but also prepares people to think and love learning and see how all of life fits together.
My advice to undergraduates is to take advantage of this unique time in their lives to soak up as much as they can from their educational experience. If you love history, take history classes. Don't just think in terms of how it will get you a job.
I continue to appreciate my Wheaton education, especially the professors and all they taught me!