Kristin Glazner graduated in philosophy and journalism in 1999. Kristin obtained her JD at IU School Law and worked until recently at Baker & Daniels.  In 2010 Super Lawyers selected Kristin as one of Indiana's "Rising Stars," a distinction aimed at recognizing the top up-and-coming lawyers in Indiana.

She wrote the following opinion piece for the Butler Collegian:

Philosophy Teaches You How to Think, Not to Waste Time

By Kristin Glazner

There I was staring at a computer screen page. The page was filled, but it wasn't that great. It was the beginnings of my honors thesis.

I guess I should mention initially that writing a thesis is painful, but I am sure quite rewarding. I am at the beginning stage. I am still finding it painful.

Anyway, I was pondering deep thoughts while looking at the computer. I got frustrated and called up a friend. His first question is what is the paper about. I start with "It is a philosophy thesis..." And he interrupts me. He scolds, "Why are you studying philosophy?" You know, that is a good question, but what is more interesting is why does it get asked. No one would ask a chemistry, biology, or business major that question.

Philosophy just doesn't get enough credit. Dave Barry described philosophy students as they students that do drugs, take long lunches, and talk about nothingness. That is a hard stigma to crack. Philosophy is simply about viewing the world a bit differently. It is about asking the tough questions and wrestling with the answers. More people should give philosophy a chance. It is not so bad, especially at Butler.

There is Dr. Dulckeit, the quick-witted German department chair with heels; Dr. van der Linden, very funny and from the land of tulips and cheese; Dr. Beversluis, the most relaxed and pleasant man you will ever meet; and Dr. Stuart Glennan, who is on sabbatical so I do not need to butter him up for awhile. They are all funny. They are all brilliant. And they all are worth taking a class from.

Now, what about getting a job and being a philosophy major? Should Mom and Dad be nervous about junior's future? Philosophy teaches you how to think. Not what to think, but how to think. In a technological era where everything is outdated once it is created, thinking skills are the only things that will last. It is also the single best major to study if you are interested in going to law school. Philosophy majors test higher on the LSAT than any other major.

So, that is why I study philosophy. And hell, being a philosophy major sounds impressive. So for all you undecided students, take a philosophy class. It is a funky major.