Kelsey Toy

Anticipated graduation year: 2010

Majors: Philosophy; French

Hometown: McCall, Idaho

Whitworth activities/clubs: Le Cercle Français, France Study Program 2010

Favorite book: A Thread of Grace, by Mary Doria Russell; Crime and Punishment, by Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Plato's Republic.

Favorite food: Artichoke pizza

Favorite guilty pleasure: Going to Didier's on Tuesdays (café au lait and vanilla frozen yogurt with Oreos is delicious!)

Best class: It's a tie between Social and Political Philosophy with Keith Wyma and History of Ancient Philosophy with Forrest Baird. I loved Social and Political because I came out of it understanding justice and its application. We got to explore not only the theories of justice, but the applications and ramifications of them. I declared my philosophy major while I was taking the course, so I was reassured in my decision as I began to see how philosophy really is useful. As for Ancient Philosophy, it will always have a place in my heart. Anything discussed in philosophy can be referred back to the ancients, so it was really fun to become better acquainted with their works. I definitely have an intellectual crush on Plato because of that class.

Favorite place or hangout on campus: I love the Back 40. It's a place where you can get away for a little while, relax, and enjoy the fresh air. It's a great place to run or take a walk with a friend.

I like my major because... it has taught me how to think critically about foundational issues. It has also given me a broad base of general knowledge about what intellectuals have been studying for hundreds of years. I like French because I can communicate with people from cultures that are different from my own. It has also helped me to be more articulate and better able to find more precise ways of explaining what I mean when I am writing.

Best Whitworth moment or experience: My first Jan Term. I had just transferred from another school and was nervous to start over again. However, the second I walked onto my hall, I instantly felt comfortable. My RAs were welcoming, and the people on my hall were friendly and kind without being overbearing. It had the strong sense of community that was lacking at my previous school. The Jan Term experience was a nice break from the regular semester schedule, too.

Advice for incoming students: Don't worry about picking a major your freshman year. Take courses that sound interesting to you, as well as some courses that fulfill general education requirements. I've been amazed at how many people I know who ended up being double majors or switching majors because they were open to taking a variety of courses. Also, take Intro to Business at some point. It gave me practical information that I know I will need in order to be a functioning member of society. It really should be a required course.

What I plan to do after graduation: I am currently hoping to go on to graduate school, but I'm open to random opportunities that might come my way.