From the origins of Socratic thinking in Greece, to the existential musings of Nietzsche in Germany, to the Zen Buddhist teachings in Japan, philosophy is a global subject. It derives its knowledge, practice, and development from countless places throughout the world. Expand your thinking and reasoning skills in an entirely new environment. Study the ideas of great philosophers in the places where they lived and taught. Explore philosophical topics like religion, ethics, and aesthetics in the context of a culture not your own. Discuss questions about direction, purpose, and morality of the human race with other passionate philosophers from different backgrounds and cultures.
I am profoundly interested in law and policy, and this internship has affirmed that the path I'm on is right for me. I witnessed the mechanics of political problem-solving in action and gained a much greater understanding of how political machinations, especially with regard to foreign relations, actually work.
One aspect of teaching I hadn't expected was dealing with uncertainty and developing improvisational skills. Students would sometimes ask questions I hadn't prepared for or couldn't entirely answer. At times, the class wouldn't be as engaged as I'd like. These experiences informed my ability to adapt and find a way to modify my communication in a way that could engage the students. I have intentions to continue teaching as a TA, and feel my ability to synthesize a lesson and hold meaningful discussions will greatly benefit my future. Not only that, but for the rest of my life, I will be on better footing to handle situations that deal with ambiguity or uncertainty. Regardless of my future career, I will be able to adapt and communicate in a way that informs and inspires.
