“How do you plan to use your degree to further your career goals and life plans? Why did you choose the University of [redacted] to pursue this field of study?”
I don't have any particular professional goals. I'd like to go to grad school for a master's if possible just to further my education. I just know I wanted to get more educated after watching my father pass away. You only live once. I know I won't regret trying to learn Greek. I chose philosophy because there is nothing I'd rather be learning than it if you asked me what if I was going to die soon. Philosophy is preparation for death on one popular view. Part of a public university is turn out informed citizens. I see it as training for life. Mental/intellectual stimulation is all that is afforded to some. I chose the University of [redacted] because I wanted to stay in state. I grew up in Yukon and graduated from Mustang High School. I was out of education for many years and went back to school at Redlands Community College in El Reno. For philosophy, there's OU, UCO, and OSU. I feel I've had more opportunities to meet people here than I would otherwise have had.
“Tell us about your financial plans for the upcoming academic year. What burdens or challenges do you have that a scholarship would help alleviate for you and/or your family?”
My mother is financing my education. Neither me or my mother have great health (thyroid issues). I am neurodivergent and have associated mental issues. My rent is $400 a month with the lease being for the full year. I'm paying a lot less than many people, but our circumstances are also relatively straightened. If I had to pay more and work, I would straight up not be able to go to school. It wouldn't make financial sense because I am not going for something that will easily pay off debts. There are doubtless many more deserving people, but in the game of life you just have to shoot your shot.
“The University of Oklahoma encourages students to maintain both high ideals, and a high moral and ethical character. Please share with us how you maintain these qualities while pursuing your degree at the University of Oklahoma.”
I am an idealist, but I am not in any position of responsibility. There is this photo of a passage of a book that gets passed around on the internet. This gist of it goes like this: there are many obscure, forgotten men who are more good than the great men. This statement is not without its contentiousness, but I think it's reasonable to say there are a lot of ordinary, decent folks out there who are not prone to be cutthroat which is part of what it can take to make it big in this world of who you know not what you know. Now I didn't come here with an axe to grind, and I know it's possible to have both. But I think it's often deemphasized. I've been a faithful and devoted personal shopper for people all over the world through the power of internet for a couple years now. Interacting with people from all over you pick up on things. In the philosophy department, there are many vegetarians and vegans for ethical reasons. I admire that. I think the shopping cart test is really important. Sometimes people don't "get it" until later in life. I know for years I tried to convince my mother to return the cart to its corral. During the Vietnam War, my uncle told a story about a captain in the US military. I have concern for my fellow students and talk to them to purposefully keep their enthusiasm up about classes. I am believer that oftentimes a nudge in the right direction can make all the difference and that this compounds day to day. I would say I am a conscientious and sensitive person recognizing that we are on stolen/conquered land. I am a stickler when it comes to recycling my beverage bottles. It's about sleeping at night knowing you contributed minimal harm. When I had more energy, I enjoyed volunteering at Integris in memory of my dad.