Meghan Carron is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Boston, with academic interests in Philosophy, Psychology, and Cognitive Science. Her areas of specialization include embodied cognition and Asian philosophy.
Link to your website: www.experiencearchive.blog
What are you working on right now?
Right now, I am working full-time at a company that makes software for the DoD. It is not a position that I thought I would be working in when I was younger, but I’m happy to get this kind of experience. In the past six years, I’ve learned a lot about what goes into training a successful AI model, and so I have been put in charge of managing and governing the datasets at this company. I’m also in school to learn Data Analytics, so that I can apply it directly to my role.
What’s your personal philosophy?
My personal philosophy is… very personal! I think at this point in my life, it has become an amalgam of different experiences I’ve had over the years. These experiences, mostly during my college years, have really shaped how I see the world. I grew up somewhat Catholic, but that never aligned with my belief system. However, now that I’m an adult, I can see how having an “external” system of morality during childhood has guided me in my life. My father is still religious and has also influenced me quite a bit in that way. I think listening to your intuition and getting in touch with that “knowing” part of you, aside from your more rational/intellectual mind, can be beneficial in navigating your day-to-day life. Not just your intuition, but also your physical bodily sensations; these can guide you and inform you as to the effects of your behaviors and actions. I have learned over time that the right path for me is to continue to take good care of myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and to try my best to do the same for others when I get the chance. The life experiences that have led me to believe this way did not necessarily have to do with this belief system, but they reinforced a deeper knowing that this was how I should be living my life. Sometimes, these lessons have been really painful.
What would your childhood self say if someone told you that you would grow up to be a philosopher?
I think my childhood self would be a little surprised, but happy that I am doing something I enjoy. As a child, I asked a lot of questions, so I don’t think my childhood self would be too shocked that I am still engaging in that kind of practice today. Unfortunately, philosophy isn’t 100% a part of my career, but I still have time! I think I saw myself in more of a teaching role, working with others and helping people, and I don’t think I have found the kind of position that the childhood me envisioned for myself. As a matter of fact, I wanted to become a veterinarian!
What are your goals and aspirations outside work?
Outside of work, I love to travel and write. I am an introvert, but I find a lot of joy and excitement in getting out of my comfort zone and seeing how people live in other parts of the world. I love to experience new things and then write about them in my journal, hoping that someday someone will benefit from something I have written. I have started posting my writing on a blog, and it has been a lot of fun to see people engage with my writing. I’d like to publish a book someday about my life experiences, travels, and my personal philosophy.
Where is your favorite place you have ever traveled, and why?
I think my favorite place I have traveled so far has been Chiang Mai, Thailand. I enjoyed the culture and how it was a pretty laid-back area. It’s a city, so it still has busy areas, but it’s not a big city like New York or Tokyo. I loved riding around on the backs of motorbikes to get to each destination on my itinerary. I also loved how there were so many different temples I could visit, and they were so old! I love the architecture and the art decorating the temples. I loved that it was a place where Buddhism was woven into the culture. Southeast Asia is a very affordable travel destination for me, and it’s somewhere that I can learn more about Asian philosophy at the same time. In October, I’m going to Hanoi, Vietnam, for a little over two weeks. I’m really looking forward to it!
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Jessica Castellani
Jessica Castellani had a unique high school experience attending Toledo School for the Arts, where she played in a percussion ensemble and steel drum band for six years. She earned her dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Religious Studies from the University of Toledo. Her primary focus was ‘the Self’ and the mystical experience of losing it. She earned her Master of Art in Philosophy from the University of Toledo as well, with a specialization in Comparative Philosophy, Eastern Studies, and Continental Philosophy. She has taught World Religions and Introduction to Philosophy at The University of Toledo both in person and virtually. She is a member of the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, tutors students, and has worked in the service industry for over a decade. In her free time likes to spend time outside and with her pets, friends, and family.
