Blake Brown

Philosophy (2010)

Why am I a philosophy major?          

A politician, a merchant, and a philosopher once took a journey to a lesser known region of the world.  After three days’ journey by foot through thick forest they happened upon an unusual building.  Set in the midst of a small clearing, the building had the appearance of being both kept and somehow naturally preserved.  As the moment swirled before them, a quiet, yet commanding and soothing voice beckoned their entry.

            The inside was clean and natural, full of pleasing and strange aromas.  In the center of this single-room building sat a smaller figure, shrouded in grey with a hood that concealed the eyes.  Thoughts passed in and out of the heads of the three and they stood motionlessly, breathlessly before the figure.  She beckoned them closer, till they were an arms-length away.

            “I know your thoughts, your dreams, your desires.  I know you as no other does, in a way to be found through no other living being.  What will you ask me?” she said.

            The politician carefully considered her words, then responded, “I have been all over the world, seen many cultures, governed many people.  I have seen what this world has to offer.  What more is there for me?”

            “What you say is true.  Go and find rest,” she replied.  She then motioned for him to leave.

            The merchant responded next.  “I have lived in ease and comfort all of my life.  I have tasted and seen the myriad fine goods and pleasures of this world.  My life has been full and satisfying.  Yet old age has come upon me and my death confronts me daily, robbing my last days of pleasure.  What will happen when I die, I must know!”

            “Nothing,” she responded.  “You may pass your final days and find pleasure in this fact; that your life was just as you hoped it would be.”  She then pointed to the door and he left.

            When only the philosopher was left, she lowered her hood.  “You have already asked your question,” she said.  They looked into each other’s eyes, and laughed.

Colin Faux
Entrepreneurial Management and Religion (2010)

     Why am I a Religion Major?  I like to think.  I like to analyze.  I like to consider, especially the ideas and possible solutions surrounding important issues today and in the past.  I like to develop my own ideas and gain a better understanding of others ideology.  The classes within the Religion and Philosophy department develop and refine these characteristics in such a way that is relaxed but intellectually stimulating.  The Professors fuel my desire to learn and develop my personal views from the in-class discussion and readings they select.  All of which has helped me gain a clearer direction towards my impact on humanity.

Amanda Krafft

 English & Philosophy major, Politics minor, WS concentration (2010)

         I stumbled into the introduction to philosophy course on a whim. And almost instantly, I was in love. With English as my major, I was constantly reading and writing and engaging, but these texts, and the class discussions, really felt like they were about something, they mattered, and not merely in the grand scheme of things, but to me as an individual. Talking about existence, reason, love, religion, language, science, history – all of these readings and discussions re-oriented me to the world in exciting ways. I added the major the semester following taking intro, and have never looked back. Each semester brings new concepts, new ideas, and challenges me to really think about the opinions I have and what matters to me in life. Philosophy classes have taught me to be open, that opening one's opinions to scrutiny can be tough, but that in doing so, you come out the other side changed – either with new views and understandings, or with strengthened thoughts. As I near the end of my senior year, I am glad that I stumbled in, that I have gone through this program. I feel like I am ending my time at Drake in a different place – I feel ready to take on the world, come what may.

Rix Thorsell
Political Science and Religion (2010)

     When entering into my first year at Drake University, I was focused primarily on my Political Science major, having my Religion major primarily because my parents, pastors, and relatives encouraged it. At that time, I was aiming towards law school, and felt that my Religion major would merely accompany and reinforce the beliefs in which I was raised. Almost instantly, however, I could almost see my beliefs and future aspirations shifting. Being a Religion major was in a completely different category than any other major I knew. 
     Even after taking my first couple Religion courses, it was obvious that the Religion professors at Drake were set apart from all the rest. They seemed to genuinely care about their students; something I had never experienced before. While at first, I was resistant to the reinforced idea of class participation (I considered myself particularly shy when it came to making my voice known), there was an atmosphere of consideration for everyone’s opinions, encouraged by the various Religion professors. Additionally, these professors seemed to know how to connect with their students (anywhere from out of class trips to signing up students for one-on-one meetings). To my amazement, I’ve witnessed students bordering on hostility towards the very idea of organized religion slowly alter their opinions over the course of a single semester with these professors. And nearly all the time, by the end of the semester, there is an affable, if not outright pleasant mood shared by all the students, which lead not only to a great learning environment, but it makes class extremely fun as well.
     As it stands now, my focus has shifted from Political Science to Religion, and I am looking to enter the Seminary after I complete my undergraduate degree. I look forward to the monthly movie night for religion majors and minors, which is hosted by the Religion department, and have come to be extraordinarily close with other majors who I would not have even known otherwise. I have been trained to have an open mind and take into account things that would otherwise be ignored, and I can see myself transforming into a more thoughtful and honest person because of that. At Drake, it can be difficult for one to find their place on campus without guidance, and if you have even the slightest interest in religion as a study or a theology, I would strongly consider talking to one of our religion professors about your thoughts. I can say, quite sincerely, that being a religion major at Drake has been one of the most enjoyable experiences in college thus far.