This personal reflection essay explores one student's decision to return to school, motivated by an admiration for a knowledgeable lawyer whose command of philosophy, politics, and history sparked a deep intellectual curiosity. The essay traces how college deepened that curiosity through engagement with peers, professors, and subjects ranging from history and science to philosophy and art. It reflects on the personal satisfaction of intellectual exchange, a growing appreciation for art — particularly the surrealist works of Salvador Dali — and the writings of great philosophers. The essay concludes with thoughts on professional direction and the idea of education as a vehicle for ongoing personal evolution.
Returning to school was a decision I made after meeting a person I came to admire in a way I had never admired anyone before. He spoke on subjects like Vietnam, government, politics, and philosophy with an ease and depth of knowledge that I found fascinating. I could listen to him talk for hours at a time; I could ask questions, and he would answer them in ways that made genuine sense to me. I suppose he could have been a college professor — he was a lawyer, after all — but he had no interest in that path. He was fascinated by his work in criminal law, and he was good at what he did. What struck me most, though, was how effortlessly subjects of thoughtful contemplation and introspection came to him. I wanted to know more about the things we discussed, and so it was only natural that I made the decision to return to school.
In college I quickly found others who were independent and even brilliant thinkers — among both my peers and the professors. It was equally fascinating to watch young people like myself engage in discussions on history, philosophy, literature, science, and other subjects. I realized that I had an intense thirst to learn about these things, and my focus was sharper than it had ever been in high school. The degree that would follow my pursuit of knowledge would of course be a reward for good performance. That performance, however, arose from a deep desire to truly understand what was being taught to me.
I certainly enjoy the relaxed moments spent with the friends I have made in college. Simple conversations about relationships, family, and what movie to see over the weekend are a much-needed respite from the weightiness of philosophy and statistics. But where I had once been entertained by lesser and more mundane things in my more carefree past — hanging out with little to think or talk about of any real substance — I now enjoyed more than ever the exchange of intellectual thought and being around people who share my passions: history, science, philosophy, and art. These things are like a fuel that feeds my insatiable appetite for them.
"Degree sought but career path still unclear"
"Dali, great philosophers, and oil painting as passions"
"Education as lifelong self-development and growth"
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