Why did you major in philosophy?
I transferred to UNH from Manchester Community College with a different major, and first took a philosophy class as an Honors Program offering. I immediately loved it, and had switched majors by the end of that first semester. I felt like I was connected to a long tradition of asking the Big Questions: Why are we here? How should we live? What does it mean to be good? It was the first time in my life that I had gotten the opportunity to reflect on these questions in a structured way, and I finally had the tools to discuss and debate what the answers might be. I felt empowered! I also pretty quickly forged mentor relationships with many of the philosophy professors, who really go out of their way to be available to students. It seemed like an easy choice to do what I love with people I love.
Interesting stuff you did as a UNH undergrad? Thesis, study abroad, favorite class, etc.
UNH provides ample research opportunities, and that was something I took advantage of. I worked in the Crimes Against Children Research Center as a research assistant in the lab of Professor Kim Mitchell for about two and a half years. Separately, I presented research at the Undergraduate Research Conference three times, all on philosophy projects.
The coolest thing I did was a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), which I turned into a senior honors thesis. I wrote on how judges have begun to use artificial intelligence in their deliberation for criminal trials. It was a topic that united two of my favorite classes that I took at UNH: Philosophy of Law and Justice, and Future of Humanity. I was able to publish a blog post about my experience and an article in the UNH undergraduate research journal, Inquiry. I had a panel of professors give feedback on my thesis, and then defended it to the department in an hour-long presentation and Q&A. It was very challenging, but extremely rewarding.
What was your path after graduating from UNH Philosophy? What are you doing now?
I've sort of turned my senior thesis into a career, as I'm a first year student at Stanford Law School. It wasn't really until I began preparing for my SURF that I started considering law school. Again, I'm glad that I switched to philosophy!
How has philosophy been valuable in your personal and professional life?
On a professional level, philosophy helped me develop reading, writing, and analytic skills that have proved extremely valuable. Philosophy coaches you to approach problems from creative perspectives, which has been helpful at work and in law school. Studying philosophy also helped foster my sense of curiosity, which has been a gift in my personal life. I get to live my life as a philosopher. I'm curious about how the world works, so I spend my time learning about it. I feel connected to that tradition of philosophical inquiry, and my understanding of our world also constantly changes because I'm always learning.
Any advice for students considering a philosophy major or graduating with a philosophy major?
If you're considering a philosophy major, do it! You can do research on whatever you think is interesting, the people are great, and you'll leave with an excellent education. Second, I recommend that students seek out opportunities that are outside of their comfort zone. Present research, study abroad, join mock trial, participate in the ethics bowl, write a thesis. I constantly chose to participate in projects and activities that pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I think it's a big reason I had such a meaningful experience there.
Anything else you’d like to say in this venue?
I'd just like to thank the UNH philosophy department! My time in the UNH philosophy department was undoubtedly the best of my life thus far. I grew profoundly both personally and professionally while I was there, and I wouldn't be where I am without the professors and friends I had there!
