Malik Mitchell

Why did you choose to attend UM?

I wanted to stay close to home, and UM fosters a very positive student experience. There are so many opportunities for growth, not only as a student, but as a person in general. From my short time from campus visits I could see that there were so many opportunities to grow as a person and follow various things that piqued my interests.

When and how did you choose your major(s)/minor(s)?

I did not originally start out as a Philosophy major, but after taking a logic class I found myself becoming more and more involved with philosophical ideas. I found myself drawn to works specifically by Marcus Aurelius and Søren Kierkegaard. I also planned on going to law school and found that Philosophy majors, on average, score the highest on the LSAT.

What would you tell a high school student about your major?

I believe studying philosophy genuinely changes your life. It shapes the way you think and respond not only to others, but yourself as well. Studying philosophy forces you to truly set down what you believe in, and also offers up diverse perspectives that are crucial to learning.

Why is your department a special place?

I love how small the department is, you really get to know your professors and running into the same people for multiple classes makes a comfortable learning environment.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

I plan on finding a Dual JD/PhD program and pursue a career in either jurisprudence and ethics, specifically with the goal of becoming a professor.

Apart from school, how do you spend your time in Oxford?

I have always loved music. Being on the drumline, and being involved with other ensembles within the music department, I spend a lot of time collaborating with other musicians for upcoming concerts or just pursuing musical ideas that I find fun.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self?

The hardest thing to learn, in my opinion, is time management. I was very involved in high school and never really had to study or anything like that to maintain good grades. Having a lot more free time leaves a lot of room for bad decisions and self sabotage.