Students and Alumni

We've asked some of our philosophy and religion majors to answer the question "Why am I a philosophy/religion major?" Below are their answers. You can also find information about our student organizations and opportunities, by clicking on these respective links.

Merle Domer (Philosophy and Religion, 2011)

I’m a philosophy major because it provides a place where I can ask the questions I always want to ask in other places in my life but can’t. Philosophy allows me to always be in conversation, through discussion, reading and writing, about some of the most fundamental and transformative aspects of society and human life. I’ve been able to engage a diverse array of topics that has helped me understand myself and the world I’m in, and has shown me alternative ways to approach the work world, the academic world and inspires me to try to positively effect the community I’m a part of. For me this ongoing intellectual and spiritual project has been a more enriching educational experience than most other learning environments I’ve been in.

Anna Limbrick (Religion and History, 2013)

There are many reasons why I’m a Religion major, but it can all be summed up in one word; curiosity. I was raised as a Catholic, but didn’t feel right, so I set out to explore what else people believe. It interested me how much religion influences people and their lives. It’s so fascinating seeing how peoples’ beliefs shape their cultures and beings. I’ve dedicated this year to learning about Eastern religions first-hand. After a taste of Islam during my summer seminar in Egypt, I intend to learn more about it’s presence in South-East Asia this spring while I’m in Chiang Mai, Thailand. This fall I will be learning about Buddhism in Thailand and it’s effects on Thai culture and history, and Hinduism in Cambodia, as well as it’s effects on the Khmer civilization. To me, religion isn’t just about what god(s) someone believes in, but how they treat other people and live their lives.

Nick Reiff (Philosophy, 2011)

People often ask me why I majored in philosophy. After all, it’s a pretty useless degree, they assume, lacking any real ability to land a person a job after college. Actually, this isn’t quite the case. Philosophy is not only one of the top degrees incoming law and medical students, but is also a degree held by numerous fortune 500 CEOs. The reason for this is the same reason that I choose to be a philosophy major – philosophy is the foundation of all sciences and academics. It’s sharpened my rhetorical, analytical and writing skills. The subject matter isn’t merely pointless and abstract; it’s a reflection and study of the issues pertaining to human existence. I majored in Philosophy because I wanted to spend my four years in college learning about meaningful and interesting ideas about, and shaping, the world, and taking advantage of the opportunity to do so. Philosophy teaches a person how to reason, how to view things from alternative perspectives, and how to absorb and synthesize new information – these are skills that are not only valuable in a career, but in all aspects of life. I am confident that wherever life after Drake may take me, that the education I have received as a Philosophy major will be an astronomical asset.

Aliza Rosenthal (Religion and Psychology, 2011)

Why am I a religion major? Well, it ultimately comes down to the support I get from such a wonderful department. I took an FYS that was taught by a professor in the religion department, and I was hooked. I enrolled as a major shortly after that. Aside from an interest in exploring the bigger questions (to which there are no easy answers), I found myself feeling comfortable with the professors, and growing in new ways due to the challenging coursework. Classes are fascinating, with subjects ranging from pop culture to philosophy and everything in between. Sometimes maddening and sometimes exciting, classes offer a forum for students to really discuss the material on their own level and get to the root of what it is that makes the text/image/video/statement/etc. important. Medbury has become my second home, and I wouldn't hesitate to spend hours either in the lounge or in a professor's office bouncing ideas off of them or getting advice for academics, graduate schools, sharing fun life stories, etc. Having a personal connection to the department and its students is awesome. I have made friends through our department that I would never have made otherwise, and formed lasting bonds with those people. Overall, our department feels like a (very non-traditional!) family, and I wouldn't have it any other way!
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