As a nontraditional college student at the age of 47, Barry Burdick has a passion for lifelong education. Originally working in construction before moving to the ministry, Burdick felt an intense desire to pursue higher education. He began his journey taking courses at the Community College of Rhode Island before learning about a unique program called the JAA. Known as the Joint Admissions Agreement, this program allows students at CCRI with at least 60 credits to transfer to either URI or Rhode Island College. For Burdick, the choice was simple. Following in his family members’ footsteps — and his own desire to be part of a university system — Burdick made the choice to become a Rhody Ram.

Upon arrival at URI, Burdick was in awe at the potential laid out before him. “The professors are so good,” he says, “and the students have been more welcoming than I’d ever imagined.” For his choice of major, Burdick looked to his personality, his passion for education, and his profession as a pastor in Westerly, RI, ultimately deciding philosophy was the way to go. “What I really admire about the philosophy department is that we learn all different things,” he says. “Right now we live in an environment where we’re bombarded by information. Philosophy helps to discern through that information to see how it applies or doesn’t and how to argue in a non-threatening way. It helps you become a more well-rounded person.”

Now nearing the end of his undergraduate journey, Burdick looks forward with bittersweet apprehension to graduating in May 2020 with a B.A. in Philosophy and a minor in Film/Media. As for plans after graduation, Burdick was recently accepted into a theological seminary in Washington D.C. where he’ll pursue his master’s degree in divinity. And after that? “The main reason I wanted to further my education was for self-edification,” he says. “The more I learn, the better I can be, so I really don’t ever plan on finishing my education journey, as I might want to pursue my doctorate in philosophy. Most of all, though, I want to help serve the local community, not just for my congregation.” While his future remains an open book, Burdick has some advice to students who worry about theirs. “Enjoy the process,” he advises. “A lot of the students I’ve met with are looking towards the future. Enjoy what you’re doing right now and soak in the moment because you’re not going to get that back.”

~Chase Hoffman, Writing & Rhetoric and Anthropology Double Major, URI Class of 2021