Alumni Updates
Ryan Kemp, 2022
Job descriptionCurrently attending my second year in law school.
What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
Choose this program if you are interested in honing in on critical thinking skills and want to have a better understanding of the human condition and the problems of the world. You will learn new and interesting ways of thinking that will help you later on in your life, no matter what you choose to do post graduation. The skills that you have learned from studying philosophy will help you become a well rounded human being and a better thinker.
Juan Cervantes, 2022
Job descriptionWhat would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?
A degree in Philosophy is about much more than figuring out whether you exist or whether space-time is like a loaf of bread. A degree in Philosophy will make you a skilled communicator because if you can explain just a tiny part of Hegel succinctly in a 5-page paper, well, you can explain just about anything. It will make you a better problem solver. Logic puzzles are about more than memorizing processes. If you get them down, they’ll help you form better search queries needed when conducting research and craft cleaner excel formulas. The discourse that you’ll have arguing over trolly strategies will offer insights that will empower you to live life in a way that is true to the person you want to be in the society you want to help create. That seminar in Stoicism will give you the resiliency tools you’ll need to get through that 60-hour workweek slog during crunch time. A lot can be spoken of when engaging in theoretical Philosophy. You’ll be inundated with it in academia, but where I think Philosophy truly shines is in its application.
Shmuel Gomes, 2022
Job descriptionHSU's philosophy program gave me a strong foundation in the history of Western philosophy, which has proven essential to my current studies as a graduate student. It also acquainted me with philosophical traditions outside of Western philosophy, which, in turn, has allowed me to approach contemporary philosophy from a range of different perspectives. Additionally, the "soft skills" that I developed by studying philosophy - such as critical thinking and clear communication - have served me well in research and writing positions that I held before beginning my PhD.
Michelle Nilan, 2022
Job description
Keanu Vargus, 2022
Job descriptionPhilosophy prepared me for a career in cannabis by teaching me three things. The nature of deductive arguments. The ability to read dense and complex source material and then present that material in layman's terms. I work in a system (METRC) and the rules of that system are determined by the laws in place by the state. Its a lot like learning a new board game. There are things you can and cannot do in the game but to know the difference you have to read the rules, apply them and be able to explain them to others.
Kimberly Nguyen, 2021
Job descriptionComments:
Thank you HSU Philosophy Department! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to earn my Bachelors's Degree here.
Nichole Vasquez, 2021
Comments:
Dr. Cannon is one of the best professors I've ever had. I always checked the course schedule for his classes before determining my class selection. Powell was a firebrand, and I'm thankful the Philosophy department allowed him to share his voice and interests; May he rest in peace. Dave Heise was a ball of energy, and I think of him often whenever the topic of political philosophy is brought up, as his class helped enhance my political perspective. I am forever thankful for that course. If I could have majored in only hanging out with Michael Goodman, I totally would have. He's like the best grandpa ever, and he explains Logic in the most passionate and approachable way. They made the philosophy department a great place to be. This department does so much to curate an amazing place to learn and grow.
Braxton Corbin, 2021
Job descriptionComments:
As an early adopter of the work-from-home dream in 2017, my experience was difficult. I had to continually prove myself to employers who were skeptical. What I found was that philosophy and my education at HSU gave me the necessary tools and perspective on the world to continue to advance without having to go into an office.
While many of my friends chased the golden shackles of high-paying office-based careers, I instead sought time and freedom. Colleagues and friends encouraged me to pursue this lifestyle stating that they could not find a reason which could justify why we should sacrifice today what we may not get to experience tomorrow.
Since graduating (prior to the pandemic) I’ve enjoyed 3-4 months of travel per year while still working. I’ve spent time in Ecuador, Mexico, Australia, and France.
With time and perseverance, my decision to study philosophy has paid off in ways I never dreamt were possible.
Shannon Bass, 2021
Job descriptionHow did this program prepare you for your job? Studying philosophy made me incredibly skilled at being able to think critically about large complex ideas and think them through to a practical level. I use this skill daily, along with having to read and write at length about them for grants and reporting.
Jessica Jane Richard, 2021
Job descriptionH.A. Nethery IV, 2003
H.A. Nethery IV, 2003 Philosophy, received an M.A. in philosophy from the University of Memphis, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Duquesne University. Nethery is currently an assistant professor of philosophy in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Florida Southern College.
Steve Brudney, 1970
Steve Brudney, 1970, Philosophy, might just have the first Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy. About the same time Brudney refused induction into the war in Vietnam. Later he earned Master of Arts in philosophy at UC Davis. Brudney wrote to 263 community colleges, found eight openings, got one interview, and was not hired. Instead, Brudney worked at Pacific Lumber Company for 19 years and then for the county. Now he’s writing a book on Christian fundamentalism. He draws from decades of experiences with fundamentalists, his training in philosophy, and over 33 years studying Bible scholarship, the historical Jesus, Christian beginnings, and the formation of the New Testament.
Andy Powell, 2005
Since the last update given, I have been working at Lost Coast Communications as a DJ for KWPT “The Point” as the host of The Night Show. Outside of playing music on the show 6 nights a week, I also talk about current events (news, politics, foreign policy, and yes even some philosophy) and attempt to present a fair look at subjects or topics of debate in today’s times.
As was stated in my last update, I am still playing music with my band Strix Vega as the bass player, keyboard player, and one of the composers. We’re expecting to release our third album in early 2013.
Shawna Joy Hernandez, 1996
While I did not pursue an advanced degree in Philosophy - my bachelors in Philosophy has served me well. I feel that my written communication, critical thinking and “outside of the box” perspective have come in very handy as I have navigated my way through the business world.