ME v. ME: PPE

In honor of today, I wanted to talk about something I don’t give enough attention: my minor. Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary field that studies the complex interactions of markets, formal political institutions, and informal social arrangements. As contradictory as it may sound, I always tell people that my minor kept me sane these past three years. From weed-out classes for the revolving door of majors to general academic frustration, my minor was the only intellectually stimulating thing in my life.

Call me a dork, but I love philosophy. I love exploring different perspectives and challenging the conventional line of thinking. One of my favorite professors would constantly ask “why” in response to any explanation we provided during discussions about social issues. Those “why’s” forced us to dig deeper, exposing the assumptions we didn’t even realize we carried. It was humbling and transformative, and it made me a better thinker.

While PPE may not directly relate to my career path, it has given me something just as valuable: the ability to think critically, empathetically, and collaboratively. I’ve always been a critical thinker, but PPE pushed me to see beyond my own perspective.

These skills have stuck with me. Even in something as seemingly unrelated as marketing, PPE principles help me think holistically—no decision exists in a vacuum, and everything connects in ways we often overlook.

Being in politics classes at a school with a political climate like UNC’s is not for the faint of heart. But that’s exactly what made it so enlightening. I got to sit in classrooms with people who will be the next generation of leaders and policymakers, and I wanted to hear what they had to say. I wanted to understand their line of reasoning, and I wanted them to understand mine.

Election Day feels like the perfect time to reflect on the impact PPE has had on me—not just as a student but as a person. Understanding the interplay between philosophy, politics, and economics has made me a more informed voter. I don’t just cast my ballot; I think critically about the policies, values, and trade-offs behind each decision. I try to weigh the short-term and long-term consequences, always asking questions like the ones I learned in my classes.

PPE didn’t just make me a better thinker—it made me a more empathetic citizen. It reminded me that every decision we make, no matter how small, has a ripple effect. And it showed me the importance of listening, even to voices that challenge my own.

This minor may not headline my resume, but it’s at the core of who I’ve become. PPE taught me that it’s okay to not have all the answers as long as you’re asking the right questions. It’s okay to challenge the status quo, to embrace uncertainty, and to see the world through someone else’s eyes.

So yes, I chose PPE because I thought it was interesting. But it turned out to be so much more than that. It shaped me into a better thinker, a better collaborator, and a better person. For that, I’ll always be grateful.