Tubbs' Thoughts

Welcome! My name is Tubbs and I am an Philosophy and Spanish student in my final year of university. As someone who wants to dip their toe into the world of writing, I figured starting this blog about my experiences, reflections, and advice would be a good place to start.

I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, and I spent my youth pursuing both the arts and academics. I was always the child who contemplated concepts deeply, revelling in the anxiety of being unable to solve the world’s problems. As I entered adolescence, I shaped my days around a multitude of music and dance, finding spare time to both advocate for legislation, and complete my homework.

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.

Søren Kierkegaard

I’ll be honest that I am unsure of what this blog will consist of. I have dabbled in many different subject areas- meaning this will likely become a random collage of my life; chaotic, peculiar, and hopefully entertaining. First and foremost, this blog is a way for me to document my life thus far, and to reflect on the parts of it that have made me who I am today.

What brings you the most joy in life?

• Music– I am a music lover, my obsession originating from early childhood. I am currently in both band and choir at the collegiate level- and hope to continue performing in some way for the rest of my life. Music is both expression and relaxation for me, and I find new things to love about the art form each day.
• Art– as an (self taught) artist, I could spend many hours wandering art museums and exhibits simply admiring the beauty and techniques. When I am struggling, whether it be mental health, academics, or life in general, I find art to be extremely therapeutic and joyful.
• Philosophy– I know, most people would see this as extremely boring and irrelevant. However, I find philosophy to be one of the best thought-provoking fields of study. From questioning my existence, to contemplating the essence of truth and justice, to theorizing if time travel is ethical, there is always something for me to discover and contemplate.

What three values do you live by?

• Authenticity- I am a firm believer that the worst thing you can do is not live authentically as yourself. I have recently undergone this change, and I feel more connected to both myself and my loved ones than I have in the past.
• Independence- This is not a surprise if you have met me, as I am always someone who prefers being alone. Not in the sense of loneliness, but that I am my own best companion- and I value independence from others.
• Honesty- This is certainly one I have come to love over the years. I am someone who prefers people to be upfront about their opinions and critiques, as long as they are constructive. I am constantly learning how to give and receive criticism, both academically and personally.

What to Expect Next

I am hoping that this blog becomes a space where people can gain valuable insight into my world and experiences. I am planning to begin by writing about some of my recent experiences studying abroad in Europe from January-August of this year. This will consist of reflections on my travels, cultural immersion, languages, and knowledge I gained from my studies.

Stay tuned for more from Tubbs’ Thoughts!