I am set to begin the Master of Arts program in Applied Philosophy and Ethics at Texas State University in Fall 2020. After earning the master’s degree, I plan to pursue doctoral studies in philosophy with the aspiration of contributing to society as a philosophy professor. The discipline of philosophy appeals to me because it allows me to engage life deeply and experience a better existence. Applying the words of Henry David Thoreau to philosophy, I think the discipline helps to “live deep and suck out all the marrow of life.” My passion for philosophy was fanned during a rewarding encounter with it in an undergraduate level ethics course in the year 2017. In that course, we examined a variety of real-world ethical dilemmas from multiple perspectives. My term paper concerned the ethics of veganism, and my group project focused on the ethics of euthanasia. I valued the debates and discussions with my peers, my instructor, and the authors of the veganism paper whose position I critiqued in my own paper. Over the semester, I developed a greater appreciation for competing views and learned to think more clearly and critically. I also learned to write and argue more precisely and persuasively. I treasure philosophy because philosophical discourse exposes the multiple dimensions of ethical, social, and political problems and helps to generate solutions to these problems. Philosophy enables us to act effectively in the societies in which we live while elevating competencies in thought and intellect. I value philosophy because it enables the examination of many topics that pertain to everyday concerns. Aside from ethics, I appreciate the study of language, technology, knowledge, science, human emotions, meaning of life, and socio-ecological justice. Another appealing field, with which many people interact, is education. There are many questions we can ask about formal education. One fundamental question is, what is its purpose? To answer, we may rely on one of the gifts that philosophy offers: the considered thoughts of great philosophers. Once we engage them, we can form our own opinions on everyday concerns such as education. At Texas State University, I look forward to exploring a wide variety of topics. An area of strong interest is the field of ethics. I want to further understand what is good and bad, right and wrong, proper and improper, and praiseworthy and blameworthy. Of particular interest is environmental ethics. For instance, I wonder if it is right to disturb wild areas to learn more about the natural world. An example would be rolling over a log in the woods to explore the universe around the log. If we anthropomorphize this scenario, it is tantamount to a giant creature upending our homes. Even in the context of environmental education, is it morally right to disturb the everyday routines of the community of creatures that live on, in, and under a log? Using various moral theories, philosophy offers a pathway to come closer to answering that question. Philosophy, in part, is the attempt to work out all the implications and complications of rolling over a log in the forest. In my view, these types of conversations are worthwhile endeavors because they can help us enhance our mode of being. I appreciate philosophy because it helps me to clarify my beliefs as well as reveal the reasons for possessing them. I enjoy examining ideas, interlinking concepts, considering multiple perspectives, and developing defensible views. The ability to navigate moral and non-moral dilemmas is a factor that attracts me to the discipline. In addition to the many concerns in the human sphere, philosophical thinking permits the contemplation of the nature and value of non-human life. All these activities, I believe, make me a more thoughtful person and a better actor in the world. I expect to graduate from rigorous studies in philosophy at Texas State University with improved critical thinking skills and effective communication abilities. I value philosophy because it helps to lead a reflective life. The discipline aids in understanding the foundations of our attitudes and beliefs and lead a meaningful social and political existence. While philosophical studies are certainly personally enriching, one can serve the community through philosophy as well. After graduate studies, I hope to contribute to society as a philosophy professor. I look forward to helping undergraduate and graduate students elevate the quality of their thinking while doing so myself.