Testimonials

Student Reflections on the Catholic Intellectual Traditions Seminar

"Not to be dramatic...but CIT basically changed my life. I remember walking into my first CIT class, not knowing a single person. During that class, we talked about what religion meant to us. Many people opened up about their faiths and the trials that they have faced in life. One person told a story that had all of us in tears. I never thought a college class could be like that. I never thought a class could make me feel less alone. It showed me that everyone here has their struggles, even when you think you're the only one. As the class went on, we all become closer and closer to each other. Through class discussions, we were able to learn from each other, instead of listening to a lecture. The closer we got, the more comfortable we all felt having those conversations. In some classes we agreed with one another, others, not so much. However, every discussion was productive. In CIT myself, along with my classmates, learned to facilitate a successful discussion. Never did we leave the room totally persuaded by the opposing side, but we left with a greater understanding about how others think in this world. Now more than ever we must be actively practicing respectful and productive discussions. To be able to sit in a class with 12+ other students with different backgrounds and beliefs is the perfect place to start. So, what I took away from CIT, is that your objective in a discussion should not be to change the other person, but to learn from them and listen to their story because everyone has one." - Maisy Carvalho

"Throughout the class discussions (CIT 201), my knowledge about intellect has grown tremendously. It has made me become aware that God is present in every aspect of our lives, through the good and struggles. Talking with my peers about this topic has made me connect with my faith into developing a stronger sense of God. I have enjoyed CIT and look forward to continuing this study in CIT 202 next semester." - Olivia Banks

"This CIT seminar has allowed me to become closer to my faith, and see what God has to offer to me in my own personal journey. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to read the great works we have read this semester, as they test you to reflect and think about you own life, journey and inner soul. My all-time favorite work we have read in this class is St. Augustine Confessions, which allowed us to reflect on our own personal struggles and our journey towards human flourishing and happiness. St. Augustine made me realize the importance of perseverance, and the truth we can find in God." – Paige Larkin

"CIT opened my mind and enhanced my view on life and its purpose, my spirituality, and my overall human journey. This course opened my eyes to dive into the roots of one’s actions, and discover and reflect the reasoning behind them. I’ve strengthened my perspective on the world-seen, heard, and unseen – around me through studying works from Plato and Dante to Genesis and St. Augustine. CIT helped push me to develop my character and existential ideals and carry them throughout all aspects of my life." - Devin Gavigan

"I truly believe that the CIT Seminar challenged me to think critically about many different ideas and questions presented in the Great Books. Reflecting upon these big ideas and profound questions such as “what does it mean to be human?” and “what constitutes living a good life of meaning and purpose?” gave me the opportunity to grow in self-awareness and understanding of the world around me. Plato’s “Allegory of the Cave” stresses the importance of education in turning the soul towards the light of truth, beauty, and goodness. This class opened my eyes to a way of thinking and reflecting that I have never experienced before, which has given me the power to transcend towards the light of God that Plato speaks of. I have learned something extremely valuable from this CIT Seminar and I hope to share the light of truth, beauty, and goodness with the rest of the world. I am confident that this new knowledge will remain with me for the rest of my life and push me to flourish as an individual in both my personal life and professional career." – Julia Scherer

"My experience in CIT Seminar was extremely positive and beneficial in helping me grow as an individual. In this class, I was able to voice my thoughts to my peers and hear their opinions about big topics, such as faith versus reason. It also helped me to reflect on my own life and how my life is a human journey and relates to many of the authors we have discussed throughout the semester." – Julianna DiMartini

"Arriving at my CIT class at 8am on Monday morning, the very first day of my very first semester here at Sacred Heart University has wound up being a very fulfilling experience for me. The students in the room would be the first classmates I’d meet. The first conversation would be essential in setting the tone for the rest of that first day, week, and semester even. What I credit most to this class for helping to propel me academically here at Sacred Heart is the diversity of the students in the class and the enlightening conversations which we would dive into together. The philosophical and spiritual connotations explored through The Great Books in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition have a deeply rich application to my core business curriculum and entices a more conceptual approach to learning, I believe. I feel that I finished this course with a unique connection to the other students whom I had the pleasure of experiencing this alongside and am grateful for every moment of it." – Eric Sippin

"While Sacred Heart University has many majors that are career focused, like Business or Nursing, the core curriculum requirement of the CIT gives each student a chance to find themselves at a time in life when this is so crucial. The lessons learned here transcend through all aspects of life, and through every focused major studied here. By promoting the study of these great books and encouraging students to be eternally questioning, Sacred Heart University is not only preparing students for a future job but is developing the whole human to live a moral and just life through a deeper and more clear human experience." – Meghan Briggs