I thought I would make a post discussing two of the most influential classes I have taken during my degree. I started off at Camosun College and am currently enrolled at the University of Victoria.

The first class that has been influential was a special topics Philosophy course on Stoicism. I took this course in 2018 and it actually changed how I live my day to day life. It provided me with practices and techniques that challenged the way I think. Stoicism focuses on how we as humans, are connected. It is incredibly easy in our society to be focused on minute, irrelevant moments that shouldn’t ruin our day, but do. With Stoicism, it feels like you’re retraining your brain to be aware of the world and others. It seems so easy on paper. However, in practice I found it to be more difficult. I believe there is value in learning how others view the world.

The second course that was influential was a Gender Studies course on Globalization. Like I mentioned earlier, most people in their day to day life don’t feel connected to someone on the other side of the planet. Yet, that garment that you wear, or blanket that you snuggle has a history. It was made by someone, most likely made on the other side of world. Consumers don’t often think about that when spending a Saturday afternoon shopping. This class focused on the over consumption and corrupt corporations that we don’t realize rule our world. It brought up a lot of questions about where I shop from, who makes what I buy and at what cost. This is the type of course content that I feel everyone should learn. I honestly hope that whatever career I choose, will work to better the conditions for others.

Thank you for reading,

Lauren