Philosophy January 18, 2013 Diagnostic Paper

The In Between

College, the place where a teen becomes an adult; where different worlds and ways of living intertwine; the place where we experiment and invent ourselves. In more ways than one college can be a place where you make or break yourself. There are many avenues to explore, many opportunities and adventures that are present here, which if grasped by someone who is open to learning, will gather the entire lesson that life has to offer. As with a philosophy course which teaches about the fundamental nature of knowledge, college opens us up to a vast array of ideas, beliefs and customs. We are no longer in the shelter of our parents house; we are thrown into the ring of reality where we have to think for ourselves; where we encounter different races and religions. We are put on a path of shaping reality for ourselves, by exploring our beliefs. Taking a course such as philosophy helps us to explore the way we think and what we think. It also presents an opportunity to explore and articulate what we believe in. If the practices that are taught in philosophy are implemented in ones life correct, it can change that persons perception about reality. From a child we are taught this is this and that is that. We dare not think outside of what our parents say, for once we are under their roof it is law. But once we have entered the world of college, it is a whole new realm of possibilities and laws. We begin to see that the old ways of our parents do not apply to the life that we want to live. So we change and begin to adapt new views about life, ideas that are more susceptible to us and promote the reality that we now see.

I can speak from personal experience that coming to college has completely changed the way I view life. I was once sheltered and told what to believe and had no original idea of my own. I thought that stepping outside of what my parents believe would be a dishonor and disrespectful to them, and my days upon the earth would be cut short. But college opened my eyes to a whole new realm of possibilities. I saw that I could be a Buddhist and still go to parties. Or I could be a New Age thinker and challenge the man. I felt a sense of freedom rush over my mind once I began getting deeply involved in my courses. With all the knowledge that I have acquired during my years in college, I have found myself and set her free. She is now able to think critically and clearly for herself. She is now able to articulate her beliefs. She is also now able to present a solid argument without the yelling of her voice. Sometimes I sit and wonder why other chooses not to go to college. It is a great stepping stone in finding yourself and the true meaning of life.