Why did you choose to attend UM?
I chose to attend UM because of the unique academic opportunities it offers. UM is smaller than many public universities and so can provide a more personal learning experience, while retaining the resources of a large research institution. It had everything I wanted in one place- an honors college with many perks, like smaller class sizes and the opportunity to write an undergraduate thesis, and majors in both of my selected fields with diverse course options and dedicated faculty. And of course, the campus itself, with its beautiful trees and venerable architecture, had no small impact.
I chose to attend UM because of the unique academic opportunities it offers. UM is smaller than many public universities and so can provide a more personal learning experience, while retaining the resources of a large research institution. It had everything I wanted in one place- an honors college with many perks, like smaller class sizes and the opportunity to write an undergraduate thesis, and majors in both of my selected fields with diverse course options and dedicated faculty. And of course, the campus itself, with its beautiful trees and venerable architecture, had no small impact.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
Philosophy has it all. It is an utterly fascinating discipline, dealing with every aspect of the human condition, from the abstract to the gritty, mundane. People (including myself, once) worry that philosophy is an impractical major- unlike Engineering or Accounting, it is not oriented towards any specific job. But its broad application is its strength. If you are looking to train your mind, to learn how to think critically, write convincingly, and speak discerningly, there is no better field to enter.
Philosophy has it all. It is an utterly fascinating discipline, dealing with every aspect of the human condition, from the abstract to the gritty, mundane. People (including myself, once) worry that philosophy is an impractical major- unlike Engineering or Accounting, it is not oriented towards any specific job. But its broad application is its strength. If you are looking to train your mind, to learn how to think critically, write convincingly, and speak discerningly, there is no better field to enter.
Why is your department a special place?
The philosophy department at UM is a close-knit community that genuinely cares about the pursuit of knowledge. Professors are willing to sit down and talk with you, whether you need help with a concept, want to float an idea, or even just chat about your weekend. The department as a whole is really open to ideas for events and student initiatives. Altogether, it creates a comfortable space for students of many views and backgrounds to simply "do philosophy", without competitive pressure or academic exclusivity.
The philosophy department at UM is a close-knit community that genuinely cares about the pursuit of knowledge. Professors are willing to sit down and talk with you, whether you need help with a concept, want to float an idea, or even just chat about your weekend. The department as a whole is really open to ideas for events and student initiatives. Altogether, it creates a comfortable space for students of many views and backgrounds to simply "do philosophy", without competitive pressure or academic exclusivity.
What class or professor has had the most impact on you?
In the spring of my sophomore year, I took my first 300-level philosophy course- Free Will and Responsibility. It introduced me to the world of philosophical dialogue: a succession of philosophers stretching back to antiquity argue against or build off of each other, all through writing that we can read and judge for ourselves. The course was one of the most engaging I have taken here at UM, where real discussion took place every class time and everyone was interested and enthusiastic- we not only watched the philosophical world, we interacted with it. It was a joy, and helped me realize the path I want to walk.
In the spring of my sophomore year, I took my first 300-level philosophy course- Free Will and Responsibility. It introduced me to the world of philosophical dialogue: a succession of philosophers stretching back to antiquity argue against or build off of each other, all through writing that we can read and judge for ourselves. The course was one of the most engaging I have taken here at UM, where real discussion took place every class time and everyone was interested and enthusiastic- we not only watched the philosophical world, we interacted with it. It was a joy, and helped me realize the path I want to walk.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
I aim to go to graduate school for philosophy in America or Europe and then work in academia someday. Above all, though, I want to write. I love putting together words in just the right way. Anywhere I end up, I'll be content, so long as I can still write.
I aim to go to graduate school for philosophy in America or Europe and then work in academia someday. Above all, though, I want to write. I love putting together words in just the right way. Anywhere I end up, I'll be content, so long as I can still write.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
I would tell myself that you can't wait for opportunities—social or career-related—to come to you. If you want something, go do it. It often is not as difficult or scary as you would believe.
I would tell myself that you can't wait for opportunities—social or career-related—to come to you. If you want something, go do it. It often is not as difficult or scary as you would believe.
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