What were your favorite philosophy courses at UCLA?

Normative Ethics / Free Will / Kant

Do you have a good story or two about the department?

The faculty I had the pleasure of taking courses with were all very generous with their time after class, during office hours and coming to speak to the Philosophy Club. I enjoyed attending guest lectures, some were very small, but undergrads were always welcome.

I wrote a paper on Free Will for Pamela Heironymi’s class, which primarily cited works by Harry Frankfurt. I was able to sit in on a very small round table with Frankfurt in the faculty lounge, who then gave me notes on my paper. It is an incredibly ‘flat’ department and very encouraging

Are there any philosophical issues, readings, or topics that have stayed with you since graduation?

The arrow of time. Free will in a causally deterministic universe.

Have you read any philosophy recently that you would recommend?

I am re-reading the Tractatus

What was your first job or endeavor after UCLA?

Teaching SAT and ACT prep.

What lessons or skills from philosophy do you use in your career?

The analytic skills I developed throughout the program help me every day. Clear writing is a necessary function of my day-to-day work. I have developed a line of business based on my ability and willingness to sort through some rather arcane documents to create value for my clients. UCLA Philosophy helped me to figure out how to make problem solving tasks fun.

Do you have advice for current students or recent graduates about how to take advantage of and continue their philosophical education?

Aim to master the material, not the class or exam