When I first enrolled at UAB, I didn’t expect that adding a Philosophy major would be the most transformative decision of my academic career. What started as a curiosity quickly turned into a passion, thanks to a department that not only encourages big questions but also genuinely cares about the people asking them.

The diverse range of topics—like examining the moral intricacies of family life—has challenged me to think critically about aspects of human experience that often go unquestioned. Studying something so commonplace through a philosophical lens revealed just how complex and deeply impactful our everyday relationships really are.

Beyond enriching my intellectual pursuits, the department’s support and engaging coursework have given me something even more meaningful: a place where I feel genuinely seen and supported. There’s something really special about being in a space where questioning whether neural implants threaten personal identity counts as casual conversation.

As I prepare for a career in medicine, I know that my background in philosophy will be a cornerstone of the kind of doctor I hope to become—one who thinks deeply about autonomy, justice, and the human condition, and who never loses sight of the person behind the patient. Philosophy hasn’t just taught me how to think; it’s taught me how to care more thoughtfully.

Looking back, I feel incredibly lucky—not just for the ideas I’ve explored, but for the people who’ve helped me explore them. I couldn't have asked for a better academic home.