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Matt Bower '08
Sometimes it’s hard to predict where your path in life will lead you next. For Matthew Bower, that path will soon lead to the Philippines, where he will travel for a grant-funded research trip this summer with five other GMC students and sociology Professor Vangie Blust. Bower, a soft-spoken junior from Downington, Pennsylvania, is looking forward to the trip especially because of his interest in globalization and the economic, environmental, and social-political effects it has on third world countries. Over the past two or three decades, according to Prof. Blust, overseas labor has become the Philippines' chief export. The country's economy has benefited from this trend through the remittances sent to families back home. However, there are some onerous challenges that those families face, especially in care giving. Bower and his fellow student researchers are interested in investigating the social costs and benefits of overseas employment related to care giving of family members left behind. They will also look into the role of community support structures in providing a nurturing environment for those families. Interestingly, despite his deep interest in this research project, Bower is not a sociology major. In what was perhaps another of life's unexpected turns, he developed a love for philosophy late in high school and is now a philosophy major at Green Mountain. He is especially interested in Asian philosophy, particularly Buddhism, and various Japanese beliefs. As the President of the College's Philosophy Club, “Agora,” a Residence Assistant, tutor, and secretary of the student assembly, Matt has also become a leader on campus, a role he never expected to take, but has found very rewarding. He’s discovered that his education and application of philosophy to his own life have been gradually transforming the way he thinks about just about everything. “I’ve become more active in wanting to shape my life, so that I can be better towards those around me, and can have a positive effect on the way people think around the world,” he said. Matt is now beginning to think about graduate school to become a researcher, but he is also interested in teaching philosophy at the college level. “It is important to have a passion for learning,” Matt says, “and to apply academics, like philosophy, outside of the classroom. I would want to inspire others to do this by looking at their own lives from varying perspectives and examining their lives so that they can evolve into better and more giving people.” So let the paths lead where they may. Wherever they go, you can be sure Matt will approach them philosophically. Front Page |
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   WEEK AT A GLANCE MONDAY, MAR. 19 Belly Dancing 7 - 8 p.m., Bogue Movement Rm. Speakers: Vt. Legislators Andy Donaghy & Bill Canfield 7 - 8:30 p.m., East Room TUESDAY, MAR. 20 Guided Relaxation/Meditation 12:30 - 1 p.m., Wellness Center Power Yoga 4 - 5 p.m., Bogue Movement Credo Christe 5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Ackley Chapel Sophomore Symposium 7 - 10 p.m., The Gorge WEDNESDAY, , MAR. 21 Pilates 9 - 10 a.m., Bogue Movement Sophomore Symposium & Retreat 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Lake St. Catherine Country Club Community Conversation Coffee 3 - 3:30 p.m., Withey Lobby Career Exploration Workshop 4 - 5 p.m., Library, Room 2 Cardio Kickboxing 5:30 - 7 p.m., Bogue Movement Rm. Dr. John Walker: The Aesthetics Of The Blues 8 - 10 p.m., The Gorge THURSDAY, MAR. 22 Power Yoga 4 - 5 p.m., Bogue Movement Rm. Interviewing Success Strategies 4 - 5 p.m., Griswold, Rm. 3 Student Colloquium Series: Nicole DeLong & Greer Lally/Carly Myers/Jennifer Clementi 4 - 5 p.m., YES! Coffee House Paul Opel Solo Recital 7:30 - 9:30 p.m., The Gorge FRIDAY, MAR. 23 Gentle Yoga 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Bogue Movement Rm. Senior Exhibition Reception: Julia Kinne 6 - 8 p.m., Surdam Art Gallery If you have news, announcements, or events to publicize in the GMC Journal, please e-mail materials to gmcjournal@greenmtn.edu or send through campus mail to the Communications Office, Richardson House. All materials subject to editorial approval by the College Communications Office. |
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