10 Things Malaysians Who Went Through Arts Stream Will Understand

We all remember the good memories secondary school gave us. Ah, those were the good old days! One of the more memorable moments from school was definitely when we had to pick between arts and science stream before proceeding with our Form 4 and 5 education.

For those of us who selected arts stream, we have definitely faced our fair share of challenges and stigma from friends, family, and even teachers.

Here are just some examples of moments that anyone who studied in arts stream can definitely relate to!

1. People think you aren’t smart just because you chose to study arts subjects

What is it with everyone thinking arts students aren’t smart just because we chose not to study physics, chemistry and biology? Just because we’re not interested in the sciences, doesn’t mean that we’re stupid!

People need to realise that everyone excels at different things and has their own preferences when it comes to what we like to study!

2. Being told arts stream doesn’t teach you useful skills

Really? Tell us again how learning subjects like accounting and economics isn’t useful!

3. Hearing “Arts subjects are so easy, lah!” from your science stream friends

What you talking about?

It’s as if they are plain insinuating that being in Arts stream have it muchhhhh easier. We have accounting, economy and art subjects too! And don’t even get us started with this next point!

4. Teachers don’t even bother teaching you your subjects most of the time

Science students have no idea how good they had things! Teachers actually cared about their studies and were so helpful. On the other hand, some arts stream teachers leave us to figure most things out for ourselves.

But to be honest, it did feel pretty great every time a teacher came in and said, “buat kerja sendiri.”

5. Noticing that most schools choose science stream students as head prefects and club presidents

What’s up with that, lah?

Are teachers so set in their beliefs about arts students that they can’t even trust us in positions of authority? Why they discriminate so much until like that one?

Arts students are perfectly capable of being responsible and organised. We’re almost never given a chance to show our capabilities!

6. That look you get from your family or relatives when you reveal that you’re in the arts stream

Asian parents loveeeee comparing their kids with one another. And when you reveal you’re in fact in the arts stream instead of the science stream, you instantly feel the ‘judgy’ thoughts that run through their minds.

7. We’re somehow always labelled as lazy troublemakers 

Okay, while we’re at it, why are teachers always stereotyping arts students as bad influences? As if arts students are the only kinds of students that can be rebellious!

Newsflash: there are a lot of arts students who are well-behaved and studious. You’re all just blinded by an incorrect stereotype!

8. The strange barrier between arts and science stream students

A few months into Form 4, after we decided on what field we’d be studying for the next 2 years, many of us begin to notice how separated we are from our science stream peers and barely get to socialise with them.

How did we become so segregated?!

9. When you made it in life despite being from the Arts Stream

Seriously, whoever said arts stream students are a bunch of troublemakers who are not going anywhere in life can eat our dust! For the teachers who didn’t believe in us, or the relatives that looked down on you, take a look at us now.

10. People telling you that you can’t make money from doing something creative

Well, do we have news for you!

Thanks to the wonders of the internet, many artistic people have been able to make loads of money from doing what they love. I mean, have you seen our famous talented Red Hong Yi which made international headlines?

Artists nowadays have plenty of avenues to make money while displaying their talents at the same time!

Some artists make money from freelancing and full-time jobs, with many even getting international recognition!

Well, showcase your talent in the latest 7-Select Artissue Design Contest and have your art displayed across the whole nation for all Malaysians!

As a plus point, it offers a RM800 CASH PRIZE to the 12 most creative entries!

Interested in getting that cash, artists? Well, here’s how you can take part!

1. Download the 7-Select Artissue Design Contest template here (there’s no limit to how many templates you download!)
2. Draw your design on the template
3. Submit your designs to ym.moc.nevele7obfsctd-96d538@tsetnoc along with your complete details and the title of your design!

What makes this even better is that you can submit as many entries as you want. The more entries you submit, the higher your chances of winning!

But do take note that it must be an original artwork and no plagiarising of artworks is allowed!

This contest starts on 4th April and ends on 8th May so hurry and get to designing! You could be RM800 richer!

While you’re at it, 7-Eleven sells a wide variety of products for your daily needs. Stand a chance to redeem cute Justice League merchandise, all 22 different designs for FREE! To top it off, you will also stand a chance to win cool prizes when you participate in the Ring or Tag Search Party giveaway!

Find out more about the contest and promotions here.