Nikki Fonville (pictured left, center), is entering her second year in the Philosophy MA program. She received her BIS in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics in December 2022, and enjoyed the Philosophy courses so much, she decided to pursue the MA degree in Philosophy. Keep reading to learn more about Nikki's experience in her own words.
During the pandemic, I decided to finish my bachelor’s degree. I first arrived in Atlanta in the fall of 2000 as an undergraduate student at Spelman College majoring in English. Financial difficulty kept me from graduating, but I was able to establish a foundation for learning that helped me start my own business. I knew I would return to school, but life was always getting in the way. Then the world shut down and I suddenly had time. I started GSU in January of 2021 majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics and received my BIS in December of 2022. In the fall of 2021, I was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) after a flare that left me unable to do the simplest tasks like writing or walking without assistance. I spent a month at home but the focus on finishing motivated my recovery. Graduating provided evidence that I could meet any challenge; my new life may be different, but it didn’t have to be limited. This experience shifted my perspective on life and future pursuits. Specifically, I learned to choose some paths because I enjoy them even if they don’t lead to specific destinations. I found the philosophy classes interesting and decided to pursue the MA in Philosophy at Georgia State because I thought I would enjoy it. So far, it has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Discovery. I’ve spent my life as a problem solver. I like concrete answers and pragmatic solutions. Last year I had the pleasure of taking Pre-Platonic Philosophers with Dr. Berry and Capitalism & Freedom with Dr. Love. With Dr. Berry, we studied the first philosophical text which birthed the sciences. In Dr. Love’s more contemporary course, we looked at chapters from books not yet published. These classes represented opposite ends of the philosophical timeline, but there were so many connections. Philosophy is the thread woven throughout humanity. Philosophy asks questions. What makes us human? How should we treat each other? Can we create a functioning society? While the answers to these questions will vary from place to place and time to time, it is the inquiry that unites us all. I’ve discovered that the questions are just as important as the answers.
Opportunity. The Georgia State Philosophy Department is elite. We are fortunate to have such a talented group of people guiding us. Our professors are leaders in their respective fields, and they enjoy the work. This allows the program to provide a variety of educational options. Students can choose their area of interest and an academic track that suits their individual needs. I’ve been able to customize a learning experience that I enjoy. This extends beyond the classroom with clubs and organizations. The Jean Beer Blumenfeld Center for Ethics offers a variety of events such as manuscript workshops and symposia allowing students to engage in the practice of philosophy outside the classroom. Several of my peers have traveled to share their papers at conferences. The Master of Philosophy program offers opportunities to join the larger philosophical community.
Community. The program is demanding, and the expectations are high. I’ve been challenged in news ways. I haven’t been alone. My fellow students are my community. We’ve shared ups and downs, celebrating the highs, and rallying during the lows. I believe my success in the program is due in large part to the support of my peers. Support is the group chat in the final hours before a paper is due with a flurry of emojis and pep talks that push us toward the submission deadline. Support is collective confusion over a particular philosophical theory. And finally, support has been talking through ideas with one another, knowing that this could be the beginning of a life’s work. Some of the most memorable times have been the informal philosophical debates that spring up anytime more than two of us are together. It is comforting to think that we are engaging the way the earliest students of philosophy must have. The program is rigorous and rewarding. But in it I’ve found a group of proofreaders, accountability partners, and friends.
I do not plan on becoming a philosopher. After this program, I will attend law school and pursue a career in legislation. I chose this the GSU master’s in philosophy because I enjoy learning and new perspectives. I know that the lessons and experiences I’ve had in the program will form the foundation for my future endeavors. Philosophy has made me a better leader, a better student, a better person.
