This series of Student Reflections is based on interviews conducted by Elyse Purcell and Sarah Horne during the APA’s 2019 Central Division Meeting in Denver, Colorado. Sara Fleming is currently an undergraduate Philosophy major at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.
Why did you choose to major in philosophy?
I felt moved by thoughts and discussions I had in philosophy classes more than any other discipline I had tried. There wasn’t much practicality involved with my decision; I just felt drawn to philosophy and knew I wanted to take as many classes as possible.
What do you like most (or dislike) about your school’s philosophy program?
Our department’s professors are all great people – intelligent, open, creative, and extremely supportive of students. I also like that our department focuses on Continental philosophy, diverse philosophical traditions, and the history of philosophy, as opposed to many American departments, which concentrate on the Analytical tradition. In terms of dislikes, I wish that class discussions were more organized, rigorous, and that students were held more accountable for doing the readings.
Are you considering pursuing a professional career in philosophy or something philosophy related?
Sort of- I am currently most interested in a career in journalism or immigration law, but I have also considered going to graduate school for philosophy or political theory or teaching humanities at the high school level.
What has been your favorite philosophy class so far?
In terms of content, I loved a class called Rousseau contra Nietzsche, but that was actually taught in the political science department. My favorite class experience-wise was called “The Art of Living: Greek Philosophy and Poetry, Ancient to Modern” in which we spent the block in Greece.
What did you enjoy most about the APA Central Division Conference?
I really enjoyed hearing responses to lectures and presentations and seeing what kinds of questions people asked and how they phrased them; it felt like watching the critique process unfold and it made me think more about counter arguments to presenters’ points.
This section of the APA Blog is designed to share student reflections on APA meetings. We’d love for you to be a part of it. If you’re a student and would like to submit a reflection, contact Dr. Sabrina D. MisirHiralall at sabrinamisirhiralall@apaonline.org.
Dr. Sabrina D. MisirHiralall is an editor at the Blog of the APA who currently teaches philosophy, religion, and education courses solely online for Montclair State University, Three Rivers Community College, and St. John’s University.
