I am an oxymoron. Or rather, my interests are — I love the logic of math and computer science but also the creativity in art class or writing articles. My differing passions have led me to opportunities that I never would have experienced, but as a high school senior at a crossroads, the pressure to specialize in one thing, whether that be a major or a career, is greater than ever.
Like many others, I am a multipotentialite, someone with a lot of interests and creative pursuits. Coined by Emilie Wapnick in 2015, a fellow multipotentialite committed to helping others embrace their many interests, the word stems from the psychological term “multipotentiality,” meaning showing skill across many areas. In a world that encourages specialization, fellow multipotentialites must break free of the mold to pursue and accept their various facets.
Consider the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none.” It’s possible that you have heard this phrase numerous times, but it is incomplete. The full quote is: “Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than a master of one.” Though the origins of the quote are debated, it highlights the benefits of being well-versed in many topics, even if they are seemingly unrelated.
In her 2015 TED Talk “Why some of us don’t have one true calling,” Wapnick refers to three superpowers of multipotentialites: idea synthesis, adaptability and rapid learning. I have seen these in my life, finding that my proficiency in Photoshop has often come in handy, from creating posters for clubs to fixing closed eyes in photos. Digital art is just one of the many art disciplines I’ve learned, the process of which has also helped me pick up new skills quickly and effectively.
Some may argue that pursuing various interests causes incompetency, leading to “wasted potential.” If you are so good at learning, why not commit to one passion, one career?
To ask a multipotentialite to specialize would be going against their intrinsic programming. The term “Renaissance person” describes people during the Renaissance who developed and pursued various passions as widely and deeply as possible. Take a look at Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who made essential contributions as artists, scientists, mathematicians, philosophers, writers and more, that are still discussed today. Multipotentialites can pivot and offer fresh solutions to complex problems through innovation and creative thinking, just like da Vinci and Michelangelo did.
I believe we are all multipotentialites at heart. All the experiences you gain from the passions you follow form the nuanced person you are today — a one-of-a-kind individual with so many unique perspectives to offer.
Raima Saha can be reached at [email protected].
