The program coordinator of philosophy and religion at my university told me about a Latinx Philosophy conference that was taking place at Temple University.
Without any doubt, I registered to go. I have been seeking to be in settings with scholars and around others who are interested in the same things I am when it comes to academics.
I only attended the first day. I walked in with zero expections aside from the assumptions I conjured from the titles of the presentations.
I left with so much inspiration and insight into my own research.
It's important to go to places that peak your interest because of course it can strengthen what you like, but another amazing possibility is affirming what you're not interested in.
Although the specific talking points did not spark a fire within me to be an expert or activist in regards to Latinx issues, I was grateful to have the opportunity to be there.
Because as I said it affirmed what I don't want to research which leads me closer to what I am interested in, but also, I was able to see how scholars presented their information which was definitely useful since I have never seen that first hand.
My favorite talk from day 1 of the conference was from a professor form Texas A&M who talked about Aztec Philosophy and Decolonization. He compared and contrasted Aztec philosophy with European philosophy. How for Aztecs it was about seeking the way and path while Europeans are concerned with seeking the truth.
The University I attend only has western philosophy classes. This is why that was my favorite talk and overall why I am grateful to have attended the conference, because I can gain insight into eastern philosophy. Things I have had no prior knowledge about which can lead me into a fun rabbit hole of YouTube binging!
One thing I love about philosophy is that it breaks a barrier between professors and students. In all my years in educational institutions, there is this unspoken rule that divides the instructor and the student. That a student can't ask any type of question or object what the educator is saying.
My experience so far, being with scholars in philosophy have been that they appreciate any and all feedback. Any critiques and any questions. Because it helps them understand what they believe in even better or sets them on a whole other exciting path.
Whatever you're interested in, just know there's a group of people out there who are interested as well. And if you want to grow in your academics and knowledge overall, I would say to go in person to different mixers because the experience is way different than just watching Ted Talks on a screen.
Humanize your professors. And I hope they humanize you as well. Because chances are they know really cool people and events that can uplift your passions and career aspirations. You don't lose anything by simply asking.
And you might also get a cool weekend trip in a different city out of it!
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