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| EDUCATING LEADERS OF FAITH & CHARACTER |
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Ashley English
Liberal Arts (major)
Political Science and English (concentrations)
Philosophy (minor)
Liberty, Texas
Ashley English credits UST’s vast and diverse core curriculum for helping her find her future career path. 
“One of the most surprising ways that UST has prepared me for life outside of college is through its core curriculum and its philosophy-based atmosphere. I was able to find a major that truly worked for me because I was exposed to so many different choices,” explains Ashley. “UST has challenged me with one stimulating learning experience after another, and I feel that I've grown into a better person because of it.”
In addition, The Examined Life class through the Augustine Hall program has influenced her. This philosophy class based on the Socratic idea that “the unexamined life is not worth living” helped her focus on her relationship to herself, others, nature, and the divine, and how all of that connects to who she is as a human being. “It really gave me the opportunity to reflect on different aspects of my life through supplemental reading, open discussion with my peers, and hands-on application of the subjects discussed in the class,” she explains.
As a result of her experiences at UST, Ashley has set her goals high. She plans to get a master’s degree in social work administration and grant writing—and eventually a doctorate in philosophy. “I’d like to specialize in helping the homeless as well as teens and young adults,” she says.
Ultimately, Ashley hopes to make a difference in the world by fixing domestic problems in the United States. She would like to start non-profit organizations around the country to aid the poor, the hungry, and the homeless by providing them with shelter, food, and clothing as well as tutorial courses in personal care, job-searching skills, and related areas.
Ashley draws on her service learning experiences at UST for inspiration.
“The small close-knit community at UST has provided the opportunity for me to get a great education, and prepare me for life outside of college. Programs such as the Augustine Hall Service Learning Community helped me through rigorous reflection and service to others and played a key role in helping me find my career path for the future,” she says.
“Opportunities such as peer advising and peer mentoring have prepared me for interpersonal dialogue with my peers. The constant support of the faculty and staff in my endeavors has kept me both motivated and focused in my studies,” she adds.
In addition to her Augustine Hall experience, Ashley has lent her time and talents to serving as a resident assistant, and is active in Phi Sigma Tau, Sigma Tau Delta, and the Black Student Union.
“I’ve always believed in the idea of leading by example. I feel that my direct example may at least inspired someone else to help make a difference and view service not as a chore, but as an opportunity to help people in a constructive way as well as learn more about themselves,” she explains.
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