BA in Philosophy

Summer Lynn Claveau, 2018

Summer Lynn Claveau

When she first came to George Mason University, Summer Lynn Claveau had never even considered philosophy as a career path. After earning her associates degree from Northern Virginia Community College, her plan was to continue her studies in psychology. Yet after one philosophy course, Claveau was hooked.

With an already existing interest in ethics, Claveau now pursues a degree in philosophy with a minor in biology. Her goal is to achieve a career in global health ethics or bioethics, which she believes will continue to have an increasing need for individuals with a background in ethics—particularly in a time of vast scientific and social advancement. 

“Philosophy helps people navigate their own path and reality and see things from a different perspective. See things that other people might not see,” she said.

Yet, even before her diploma is in hand, Claveau is making her mark at Mason, and is taking advantage of every opportunity given to push her towards her career aspirations. She recently reinstated the university’s philosophy club and wrote the organization’s first constitution that ensures continued leadership and progression even after she leaves Mason. Claveau is also a member of the first Global Health Fellows cohort, an academic program for select students who are interested in health practice, policies and challenges in a global context.

“We look a little bit more at the span of health globally and the different determinates of health and the different things that are hindering certain groups of people and what kind of policies are enacted to make it so that that doesn’t happen,” Claveau said.

As a part of the fellows program, students are expected to get an internship to apply what they’ve learned in real work situations. Claveau interns at Stillbrave, a local organization that supports children with cancer, and their families

“I like to do humanitarian work and I like to volunteer my time,” she said. “I’m so happy with my internship because it’s going to be so rewarding.”

Claveau heard of the Global Health Fellows opportunity through a professor in the philosophy department where, she said, everyone is incredibly supportive and helpful. “It’s just like resources, and help, and knowledge, and conversation all the time. It’s really great,” she said.

And while Claveau has ideas on where she’d like her career to go she’s open to anything. Her major, she said, allows her to combine her love for writing, communicating, studying ethics, and participating in community service. She sees unlimited options.

“To people on the outside, it seems like I have such limited options. But from where I’m standing, there are so many opportunities I could throw myself into. It can be overwhelming.”