Student: Katie Chandler
Katie Chandler will graduate in May as a quadruple major in History, Philosophy, Great Books, and Religious Studies.
As a freshman, Chandler was a history major. She took advantage of the Italy Intensives Program and discovered an interest for philosophy. The summer after her freshman year she studied abroad in South Africa and confirmed her love for philosophy, adding it as a second major.
During her sophomore year she was able to study abroad in India and found a passion in Eastern religion, later adding religious studies as a third major.
Contributed by Katie Chandler
Last semester, Chandler added great books as a major after interviewing Dr. Helena Feder, ECU’s director of the great books program, about women in academia for a history assignment.
Chandler said that studying abroad really made her connect and appreciate her education because it is something that’s taken for granted in America. Her mom is a big reason she’s travelled so much because she is always so supportive.
Because of her many trips abroad, she was a global ambassador for two years at The International House, ECU’s headquarters for international affairs. She loved it because she helped students find the right study abroad program for them and scholarships to pay for it.
She said studying abroad with four majors hasn’t put her behind because each trip allowed her to take classes that counted towards each degree. In addition to her studies, Chandler is president of Phi Sigma Tau philosophy honor society, president of the Great Books and English honor society, Sigma Tau Delta and historian of the history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta.
She wakes up every day at 5:30 a.m. to start her day at the gym and is motivated to go to class, work, and club meetings throughout the day. “I really rely on the energy I get from the gym,” Chandler says.
Last year she was co-chair of the Dean’s Student Leadership Council in Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences where she served as representative for the philosophy and religious studies department. A professor nominates a student to be on the council and every department has a representative.
“We all represent the interests of our departments from a student perspective,” she said.
Chandler says that over the years her time management skills have progressed. As a leader in numerous clubs, she is also a philosophy and religion tutor at the Pirate Academic Success Center.
“I like to see the different ways people learn,” she said. “The students are so helpful.”
Chandler said she would love to become a professor teaching Eastern Religions, specifically Hinduism and for now is focusing on applying to graduate school.
Your words to live by: “The greatest illusion of this world is separation. Things that you think are separate and different are actually one and the same.” This applies to every aspect of life. It’s important to realize that everything is connected.
What advice do you have for other students?: Do what you love! Don’t do what your parents, professors or friends want you to do. If you do what you love then you’ll be happy in school and happy in your career and that’s really what matters.
What is something cool about ECU that you wish you knew during your first year?: Lectures like the Voyages of Discovery series are free and they’re so interesting! Attending the lectures is one of the perks of going to a university and they definitely should not be missed. Also, study abroad is really affordable and it doesn’t slow down your academic progress!
STATISTICS
College: Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences
Major: Philosophy, History, Religious Studies and Great Books
Age: 21
Classification/Year: Senior
Hometown: Fayetteville
Hobbies/interests: Studying Hinduism: Hindu mythology and history are something I’m really interested in and spend a lot of my free time doing. I also love to travel!
Clubs and Organizations: Phi Sigma Tau Philosophy Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta English and Great Books Honor Society, Dean’s Student Leadership Council, and Philosophy and Religious Studies tutor at the Pirate Academic Success Center
FAVORITES
Favorite hangout: Christy’s Euro Pub
Favorite place on campus: The Graham Building on campus. My boyfriend is a geology master’s student and he has a really great view of the fountain from his office so I love to go visit that building.
Favorite place to eat: Cinnamon Indian Cuisine
Favorite class: I have had so many classes that I’ve loved but I think my all-time favorite is my current Hinduism course with Dr. Maher. There is never a moment in that class that is boring or dull. Everything we read and discuss is super interesting. I love it!
Professor who influenced you the most: There are so many professors who have influenced me but I am particularly close to Dr. Wilburn, Dr. Jacoby, Dr. Maher, Dr. Murphy and Dr. Dawson.
Favorite TV show: “Law and Order: SVU”
Favorite band/musician: MC Yogi
Favorite movie: “Mona Lisa Smile”
Favorite website: Redbubble or Etsy
MOTIVATIONS
Dream job: Professor. I would love to teach about the history or religions of India somewhere
The one thing you cannot live without: My cats. They’re my little stress relievers.
Role model: My mom of course. She’s amazing, outgoing, strong and always supportive of whatever I want to do.