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Teen Mom Turned Philosopher: My Memoir, My Life

It took me 12 years to finish my Master’s Degree. During that time, I was, frankly, learning a lot, while I was ill. I took a medical leave. My dream, in the land of dreams, The United States, was to become a philosopher. I was angry and sad at everything because I thought that would never happen. 

In 2023, I earned my M.A. My specific degree is a terminal degree, but even if it weren’t, I’m still considered an expert now, and a philosopher now. 

I’m 45. The job market, and the entire process of getting a Ph.D. takes a long time, and is likely more effort to me than it’s worth right now (in a cost-benefit analysis). So I probably won’t get one, which means I may never be a professor because accreditation requires a certain percentage of faculty to hold a Ph.D. 

I never knew I would come this far, and I thank God, who at times has been the only one there for me, that I’ve done what I’ve done. 

In the United States, I hope people still dream. But not only that, I also hope they can live a dream.

At the University of North Florida, I was a Research Assistant for Dr. Daniel Callcut. I worked on the book “Reading Bernard Williams.” 

When I got extremely sick, I ripped the title page out, framed it, and looked at it every day. It was a reminder of where I’ve been, what I was capable of, and what I wanted to do in the future.

Sometimes, you have to have an alternate plan, but that doesn’t mean you give up a dream. I publish in other ways. I was on the Editorial Committee of a top journal for a few years even as I was healing.

Sometimes, you have to carve out a path for yourself. Sometimes, you fail. Sometimes, it looks like you’ll never get there. My new memoir is my view of my life up until the year 2017, when I penned it.

I asked Dr. Callcut to sign the book to “The. Best. Student. Ever.” It was a joke from me to him. Sometimes, levity is good

 October 9, 2024

Dear Ms. Lawson,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on religion and faith.  

Religious freedom was enshrined in our Constitution by the Founding Fathers, and over the centuries, America has been strengthened by our religious diversity.  I am dedicated to continuing our Nation’s commitment to ensuring that all people are treated equally, no matter how—or whether—they pray.  

As a practicing Catholic, I understand intimately the important role that religion plays in the lives of so many.  Faith has tremendous power to move us together, which is why my White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships works with religious and secular organizations to serve people in need while respecting different beliefs and traditions.

One of my prayers for this Nation is that we see each other as we should:  not as enemies but as neighbors—not as adversaries but as fellow Americans and fellow human beings who are created in the image of God and entitled to be treated with dignity and respect.  

May God bless you, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Sincerely,

Joe Biden