Long and Winding Road
Ali Brill ’19 had reservations about returning to TU as an adult student, but admits it was the best decision she ever made.
When Ali Brill returned to Towson in 2017 after receiving an associate’s degree, she found “the major that clicked.” With the majority of her credits in psychology, Brill began exploring philosophy courses and fell in love with the discipline. “The philosophy department is stellar. You get an inclusive, diverse experience with phenomenal professors,” says Brill.
Philosophy Associate Professor Emily Parker, Brill’s adviser, introduced her to environmental philosophy. “I was environmentally conscious, and that field bridges the gap between my personal and career interests,” explains Brill.
Intent on taking advantage of all TU had to offer, Brill joined the TU Club Gymnastics Team the second time around. “I had been a gymnast in elementary and middle schools and at TU found a phenomenal group that taught me about friendship and teamwork.”
“ You get an inclusive, diverse experience with phenomenal professors. ”
Brill also joined Fossil Free TU, a club supporting Towson’s divestment from the fossil fuel industry and TU’s Philosophy Forum, which meets biweekly to discuss philosophical issues. An internship through WWOOF (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) allowed her to connect theory and practice in her Environmental Philosophy course.
After graduating from TU, Brill was accepted into the master's in environmental philosophy program and offered a teaching assistant position at the University of Montana. Brill concentrated her studies on mixing human burial with regenerative agriculture.
“Our society nees a revolution in the way we handle death and the final disposition of our deceased loved ones,” says Brill. “COVID-19 might be an opportunity to rebuild our death culture in the United States.”