Lance Simmons, PhD
Associate Professor, Philosophy
I teach in our Philosophy Department. I went to college for a semester, dropped out, and returned two years later. After graduating I went to graduate school.
Before college, did you know what you wanted to do?
No. Not at all.
Where did you go to college and how did you achieve that? What was the application
process like? Any challenges?
I went to the University of California at Berkeley. My family was supporting me, but
I dropped out after one semester. When I returned to school two years later, I supported
myself by working summers and part-time during the school year.
What was your motivation during your college years?
I fell in love with philosophy in my second year, and after that my only motivation
was to get the opportunity to study more philosophy.
What did you do after graduating from college?
I went to graduate school, then came to teach here.
What’s some advice you would give to your past self?
Consult with your advisor regarding your schedule.
After having been a first-generation student, how does it affect you today?
I keep in mind that many of my students are working to put themselves through school.