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Archives Fall 2000
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The Active Philosopher
The daily schedule of Brian Thomas reflects his diverse interests

We usually associate a philosopher’s life with simplicity, serenity, and contemplation. But doctoral philosophy student Brian Thomas defies that image. As he prepares for his final Ph.D. exams in January, Brian strives to achieve excellence and balance in a life that is anything but simple and serene.

On most days, Brian rises at 6 a.m. and heads for the Student Recreation Center for his morning workout. "I try to exercise quite a bit; I like to lift weights, play basketball and tennis, and participate in basically any sporting activity." This morning ritual energizes Brian for the rest of the day.

Photo by Will Owens

A significant portion of that day involves earning money to pay the bills. In the afternoons, Brian teaches computer classes for Academic Technology and Networks (ATN), which provides technical and instructional support for all the computers on campus. During lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, he waits tables at Aurora, a local Italian restaurant. Brian explains, "Trying to ‘get by’ financially is one of the biggest challenges of graduate school. Even when you are teaching like I did last semester, you don’t make enough to live in Chapel Hill. So, you have to work jobs on the side. At the same time, a lot is expected of you here as a graduate student. It’s difficult to juggle everything."

Academically, Brian juggles two courses that he audits on Tuesdays and Thursdays. One of them is a philosophy class on Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, which will help him prepare for exams; the other is a programming course in Computer Science, which Brian hopes will make him a better teacher at ATN.

Brian reserves most of his free time — what little there is of it — for reading and studying for his exams. And that’s not all. Brian makes it a priority to give back to the University (he is president of the Graduate Employee Union) and the community. Brian attends Chapel of the Cross and helps with its ongoing Habitat for Humanity project on weekends. He also finds time to be an adult literacy tutor for the Campus YMCA. His community activities relate to his professional interests in social philosophy, but Brian’s reasons for giving back are simpler. "I like helping people. There are a lot of people out there who genuinely need and want help, and it means a lot to me to be able to use my gifts — whatever they may be — to help them. I enjoy it quite a bit."

Brian, a Los Angeles native and UCLA graduate, is the first in his family to earn a college degree. That is why, in spite of his busy schedule and long hours, Brian savors his graduate experience.

"This is not an opportunity that comes up very often for the average person, especially for African-Americans. It means a lot to me, because I’m aware of what it means to my family, and, hopefully, it will be a great example to a lot of my cousins of what you can achieve if you work hard."

While Brian’s daily schedule may not often include the simplicity and serenity of the stereotypical philosopher, his desire to set an example and contribute to the community places him firmly in the tradition of many great philosophers.

- John Adrian

 

© 2002, The Graduate School, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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