We asked important questions from recent graduates of the Philosophy and Religion Department.
Carson Banks
Why did you choose Philosophy & Religion as your major?
I transferred to UNCW after completing my freshman year at East Carolina University. I originally transferred to pursue a degree in film studies. I also intended to perhaps minor in religious studies and had hopes of going to seminary after graduation.
However, I feel as though I began to truly understand why "philosophy" is the love of wisdom after enrolling in Introduction to Philosophical Thinking with Dr. White during my first semester at UNCW. I chose to add philosophy as my second major after enrolling in two more philosophy courses the following semester.
What did you like best about your time in the Department of Philosophy & Religion?
I have thoroughly enjoyed the relationships I have made with each professor I have worked with. All of the faculty in the Philosophy and Religion Department care about each students' success and all of my professors have gone above and beyond.
Tell us about your future plans and how what you learned here influenced those plans.
I will be attending Florida State University in the fall to pursue a master's degree in higher education. I will be working as a graduate assistant in the Student Center with students on the Union Board Productions.
My professors in the PAR department gave me advice while applying for graduate programs and encouraged me along the way.
Any advice for Philosophy & Religion majors?
Take advantage of your professors' office hours. Remember that they want you to be successful, and they are willing to help in any way they can, but you have to put forth effort to reach out to them.
Britany Hockley
Why did you choose Philosophy & Religion as your major?
I chose philosophy and religion because I knew I wanted to study something meaningful, interesting, and engaging. I loved that being a PAR major pushed me to think differently and engage in unique concepts and ideas that I would not have been subject to in any other area of study.
What did you like best about your time in the Department of Philosophy and Religion?
It is hard to say what I liked the most about my time in the PAR department but looking back it is great to see how much I have grown, both on a personal and academic level.
Tell us about your future plans, and how what you learned here influenced those plans.
After graduation, I am going to attend graduate school at Wake forest in their MA in religious studies program. I am going to focus my work on religion and politics.
I feel my time in the UNCW PAR department has given me the knowledge I need to explore different areas of religious studies and this allows me to pursue something I am very passionate about.
Any advice for Philosophy and Religion majors?
The biggest piece of advice I could give PAR majors is that if they are confused or worried about anything they should go speak to their professors.
The professors in the department always go out of their way to be helpful and encouraging. It is important to take this initiative to grow in our weaknesses and improve on our strengths.
