Brenna became a philosophy major because she loves the challenges of thinking deeply. When not lost in thought, she plays the viola in Symphonette and practices and performs with the Dance Team. After earning her degree from Northwestern, Brenna plans to pursue graduate studies in library science.

Lost in thought
“I decided to major in philosophy because I love to think, but it’s more than that. I love the challenges posed by thinking deeply without anyone to tell you the right answer. I find it incredibly freeing to be lost in a sea of thought without restrictions on which way to go—simply searching for an answer.”

Common community
“In Northwestern’s philosophy department, there isn’t a struggle to see who is the best or the smartest. It’s much more of a community. There’s a freedom to bounce ideas off of one another without fear. Another opinion is always welcome, and our professors are always ready to talk or to help if you just can’t figure something out.”

The right idea
“Philosophy often deals with personal beliefs or views of the world, and faith is heavily involved in both of those things. The professors are really good at pointing out when that happens and asking us how our faith would be affected by a certain idea, or how Christianity would come into play within that idea.”

Mind over matter
“Being a philosophy major has benefited me in many ways. I’ve become much better at looking at long-term implications of decisions or ideas. I now know how to bounce ideas around with other people—how to see the strengths and weaknesses in ideas and how to change my ideas in light of that. Philosophy has made me a better thinker.”

Identity study
“I’ve gained so much from Northwestern besides an education. I’ve met so many new people who have impacted me in ways I never could have imagined. I’ve gained amazing friends, and my faith has grown and matured more than ever before. But most of all, Northwestern has challenged me in ways that have shown me who I truly am. I’ve gained a greater sense of me.”