Nursing student Ella Mudge has made time for philosophy in her life, and so, she argues, should everyone.
By Magdalene Lane (’26)
The concept that a nursing major could also successfully lead a Philosophy Club may seem surprising to some, but to Ella Mudge, nothing could be more natural. While juggling a hectic schedule of nursing classes and shifts, she still finds time to coordinate lectures and discussions for CUW’s Philosophy Club and fulfill her duties as senior editor of the CUW Quaestus Liberty Faith and Economics journal. Ella believes that the resources provided by these organizations are essential for human flourishing.
Passionate about art since childhood, Ella decided long before college that she would not make it her profession. “Art has to do with how I perceive the world, with creating richness, and with my relationship with God,” she said. “I don’t think forcing it into a marketing scenario would work.”
A Christian Caretaker
Instead, Ella turned to nursing. “I’ve fallen in love with it in ways I never expected.” In particular, Ella is grateful for the opportunity to touch her patients’ lives when they are suffering the most by sharing her faith. She has even been able to discourage patients who are contemplating taking their own lives. In such situations, Ella often did not know how to respond, so she would simply pray. “Often the only response that’s worth anything is the Gospel,” she concluded.
A nursing career can present other complications. Ella is passionate about life issues, and the demands that her job and society might place on her are a source of constant concern. She has to be constantly on the lookout for situations where her moral boundaries are crossed. “If I can’t express my thoughts clearly and logically, then I’m in a really tough spot.”
Discovering Philosophy Club
Ella is able to find answers to some of her tough situations at Philosophy Club, a group she organizes with her co-president Alyssa Giese. Ella began attending Philosophy Club in her Freshman year when it was a small group led by her older brother, Isaiah. Immediately she saw its potential and developed a vision for the club’s future. When her brother graduated, she began to organize speakers and debates.
Ella’s main goal for the club was to create an environment where students of all backgrounds could come together to hear speakers and talk with each other about essential human issues and truths. This wish has been fulfilled. Attendance soared.
Today, members of Philosophy Club span a wide array of majors and interests, including but not limited to nursing, philosophy, education, pharmacy, computer science, and business. Faculty members of every department are asked to present, and discussion is always included. Past topics have included among many others Western culture, marriage, zombies, language, and the eye. All have led to deep and thoughtful debates.
Understanding Truth
Ella believes discussions such as these are necessary for every human being, not only philosophy majors. “I have to be able to articulate myself when I think something is wrong,” she said. “Every profession does. You have to be able to say ‘no’ and why,” The consequences of not being able to express ideas can be extremely dangerous. Ella often points out that not being able to express themselves leaves people open to people taking advantage of them. It is essential to be well-spoken. “To be well-spoken you have to speak to people,” Ella points out. “And that’s what Philosophy Club is for.”
Ella credits CUW with the fact that she is able to do both Philosophy and Nursing, combining the Arts and Sciences in unique way. The university’s open and adaptable mindset has allowed her to make what she wants out of her education, something Ella is certain would not be as simple in a larger college setting. She is delighted that she and so many other students are able to come together and discuss what it means to be human, despite having such broad differences. “It’s exactly what I was hoping for,” she says, “I haven’t made any art about that yet, but maybe one day I will.”
Learn more about Philosophy Club
Visit https://www.cuw.edu/life/involvement-and-activities/student-government.html to learn more and support young thinkers of every profession or contact Ella Mudge for further questions!
Club President’s Email: Ella.Mudge@cuw.edu
Faculty Advisor’s Email: Angus.Menuge@cuw.edu
—Magdalene Lane (’26) is President of the Foundry, the CUW creative writing group, and Vice President of the CUW German Club. She is majoring in Christian Thought, Theological Languages/English.
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