What Yogev says about himself:
I grew up in Israel, and almost immediately after my military service I moved to New York City to pursue training in academic drawing; however, after six years, I left both NYC and the art world and decided to look for answers in academia.
My time at the Community College of Philadelphia has been revelatory—I never imagined I would have neither the aptitude nor the interest in philosophy. It was simply not something people from my background study; philosophy, I understood, belonged in the realm of indulgent, leisurely contemplation, exclusive to the privileged elite.
Now I see how inextricable philosophy is from our lives. Whether we will it or not, we practice philosophy daily, and not studying it does not diminish the power it exerts—it only inhibits clarity and critical thought, making change impossible.
Next semester, I begin my junior year at Temple for art history. I hope to double-major with philosophy; the areas that most compel me are metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics. In the future I plan to attend a graduate program in philosophy and continue to strengthen these basic skills that I once took for granted: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
What Yogev says about working with Dr. C:
By the end of my sophomore and final year at CCP, I attended three classes with Dr. C. However, my first time working with her was outside of class, in the philosophy reading group she leads. Although it wasn’t for credit, or even on record, the “book club” (as we’ve come to fondly call it) remains one of the most meaningful experiences for me in school. Before I joined, it was unthinkable that I would read a complete philosophical work—as if some invisible wall separated me. In that sense, Dr C’s insistence that we read only primary sources was particularly empowering—she showed that I, too, have a right to these texts and the ideas therein. I am grateful because this feeling of empowerment is proving to be invaluable as I begin my journey in academia.
At the same time, Dr C helped me develop great humility; too much self-assurance can lead to dogmatism, and prevent a more complete understanding. It was important for me to realize how much instruction is needed when reading challenging texts—and Dr C’s expertise is at once academically demanding and approachable. What’s more, it is freely given—I continue to rely on her guidance as I still attend weekly book club meetings.
Dr C’s guidance extended beyond academics; during office hours (which I have extensively used) she would offer me advice and answer any questions I had about graduate school or life in academia. Going to school as an adult can sometimes feel infantilizing, so it was reassuring that every time I approached Dr C she was honest and authentic, and without judgement or condescension. When I imagine a future career for myself, in academia or otherwise—Dr C has set an important example for me.
