In the following Q-and-A, senior Sarah Grimaldi shares some of her experiences as a philosophy major.
What have you enjoyed most about being a philosophy major at Illinois State University?
My favorite part of being a philosophy major at ISU would be the wealth of information and experience contained in the faculty. They have helped to shape my progression through the major, and are always ready to offer insight into whatever topic is at hand. The variety of topics available to study is another plus; it’s great to see the department expanding as well! (More ethics classes, please.)
If you had to take one—and only one—philosophy book or article to a desert island, which one would it be?
If I had to take one philosophy book to a desert island, it would be Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations. I think some stoicism would be of great help when stranded in such a manner.
Do your friends and family know that you study philosophy?
Yes, my circle is aware. I don’t get too much flak for it, but it could be because philosophy is my second major. They’re all supportive and I’m able to have solid discussions with any of them about the things I’m exposed to in my classes, which is great.
What other majors did you consider?
Well, I am a double major. I started out as a political science major, which I have an A.A.S. in already. I finished the degree requirements in December of 2012, but as a member of ISU’s ROTC program, I’m required by contract to maintain a full-time status in a degree-seeking program. So, I looked at my transcript and the different majors available to me, and since I had already taken several philosophy classes as electives for poli sci, it seemed like the natural choice.
What are you plans after graduation?
When I graduate, I also commission as an active duty second lieutenant in the Army. I branched military intelligence with a four-year detail to field artillery. I have a few months free over the summer, and then it’s off to more training in October. My initial contract is for eight years—we’ll see what happens after that! I will hopefully be starting my master’s once I’ve gotten settled in at my first duty station, but I haven’t decided what that will be in yet.
