Full Name
Natalea Clark
Major/Minor
Philosophy and Education
Year
Sophomore
Hometown
Berea Kentucky
How would you describe yourself?
Kind hearted, ambitious, and family oriented.
Which Greek deity to you most identify with and why?
Whenever I complete a personality assessment to identify which deity I should align with, I find that I often get the result of Athena. I find it interesting as we are going to Athens, but I can see it relate to my personal values, as I emphasize that I aspire to be selfless and to have good outcomes for people. I have a natural proclivity to be put in leadership positions, and I can empathize and establish connections with others similar to the mythological descriptions of Athena. In addition to being selfless, I share attributes of kindness, ambition, and family-mindedness with Athena, especially as described in some stories about her character.
What do you most look forward to during the Greece program?
I am excited to experience and learn about a new culture, especially considering Greece’s philosophical past, especially examining the thought of the philosopher Heraclitus’s famous quote, “Everything flows,“ and the idea that the only constant is change. To be able to see the beautiful landscapes and ideas about existence were first posed and how they relate to the Western culture of thought. To walk through the combination of beautiful scenery and history within not only philosophy but religious reforms, and witnessing some of the earliest sites of inquiry. This experience will not just be educational but incredibly moving for me, especially considering it’s my first time out of the country in a new and beautiful culture.
What has been the most meaningful idea/fact you have learned in this program so far?
In class, we have been learning through the book “Philosophy Before Socrates” and the importance of constant change as the essence of the universe. The concept of the unity of opposites gives a compelling perspective to view the earth, one that suggests a balance in the constant flux of life and transformation. We have thoroughly dove into the concepts developed by Heraclitus, as well as the more modern perspective by Socrates and his focus on philosophy from the natural world toward ethics and human knowledge. My excitement for being in Greece is the opportunity to ground their philosophical foundations in the historical landscapes where they lived and taught. This is not simply a physical journey but a stepping back into the origins of philosophical thought that will add a profoundly historical and philosophical context to the trip.
At this point in your life, what is important/meaningful to you?
At this moment in my life, personal growth, intellectual engagement, and success are the most important values guiding my educational and adventure interests. I am deeply committed to connecting with others meaningfully so they feel loved, cherished, and valued. My devotion to kindness and family influences everything I do, whether it is engaging with challenging philosophical thought, exploring new cultures, and religions, or developing relationships with friends and family.