Student Life hosted a Philosophy Student Day Tuesday, April 7, in Room Sc4-412, bringing current and former Los Medanos students together to discuss philosophy and explore potential career paths. It was an opportunity for those who are interested in philosophy to learn what they can do with a career in that major.
The event, led by Edward Haven, a former professor at Los Medanos College, said the purpose of the event was to show students how philosophy can lead to a variety of o careers and show that they can have happy lives down the road.“There are a lot of careers that can stem from philosophy; it shows that philosophy as a degree can lead to successful jobs and what you can do with your life.”
The event featured a panel of LMC alumni who studied philosophy and transferred to their current institutions. Speakers included Luis Ybarra, Madison Santos, RJ Rivasplata, Derrick Diamond, and Drew Booth. All have expressed that philosophical training can be applied to fields such as law, public policy, and medical ethics.
Kiara Duran, co-president of the Philosophy Club, emphasized how philosophy fosters both community and introspection. “Philosophy opened my mind to different perspectives and helped me find more of myself,” Duran said. “It’s a space where people can talk honestly about questions we don’t normally discuss.”
Philosophy can also shape the way we think and interact with the world around us. Guest speaker RJ Rivasplata reflected on philosophy’s importance. “Philosophy is valuable in itself. It helps us put words to our feelings and gives us tools to make sense of the world.”
Derrick Diamond shared a similar perspective, “Philosophy challenged me when I needed it the most. It helped me think critically, not just about ideas but about my own life.”
There’s a sort of obligation to philosophy, or at least that’s how guest speaker Madison Santos felt when she explained that exploring the truth is a duty. “If we took our obligations to others seriously, the world would be a much different place,” Santos said.
Guest speaker Drew Booth noted that while philosophy can be tough, it is ultimately rewarding. “This field can get very cerebral, but it’s about doing things you care about,” Booth said. “Learning for the sake of learning, connecting with the community, and thinking critically about life.”
Students attending the panel found the discussions motivating. Jace Wallace, a philosophy major, said the event helped broaden his perspective on future opportunities. “It’s important to see where philosophy can take you, whether it’s into teaching, medical ethics, sports, HR, or law,” Wallace said. “It’s much broader than people think.”
Philosophy is not just a major; it’s a way of thinking. It’s about acting ethically in decisions and developing a better understanding of the world. Philosophy is happening all the time, all around you.
