After spending half of his undergraduate studies in Europe, Aquinas alumnus R. Bryan Willits is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Irish Studies from New York University, continuing in his goal of a pursuing a lifetime of learning.

Willits, who graduated summa cum laude from AQ with a major in history, spent a semester studying abroad in Tully Cross, Ireland, as well as a semester at the University of Tübingen in Tübingen, Germany. Prior to attending Aquinas, Willits took classes from Grand Rapids Community College, through which he also studied abroad in Ireland for two semesters.

Citing his Irish heritage and early love of European history, the initial interest in studying in Ireland is understandable. The semester that Willits spent in Germany, however, may come as a surprise.

“As I delved into the world of philosophy and intellectual history, especially of the 19th century, I learned that many of the most important thinkers were German,” said Willits. “I did an independent study at AQ on German intellectual history, and found that there were always problems with translation. I wanted to read these works by these great German thinkers of the 19th century in their original. I realized the only way to really get good enough was to go to Germany to interact with the language in a regular and real way.”

After his initial time in Germany, Willits decided to return to Germany to continue to improve his skills with the language.

“Through some of my contacts from Tübingen, I became an independent contractor for English language instruction and intercultural communications. I moved to Reutlingen, which is near Tübingen, and in short, became a teacher for a while,” said Willits. “While I was able to pursue my own language and research goals in Germany, none of it would have likely come about had I not had the opportunity through the program set up by AQ.”

Willits is a strong proponent of studying abroad, not only for the personal benefits but also for the good of the community to which you return in the end.

“The more contact one has with other cultures, the more likely they are to be able to understand and empathize with people in different situations,” said Willits. “Students who study abroad become better citizens of the world, and have the opportunity to better understand the human condition.”

After returning from Germany, Willits also returned to his passion for Irish studies. His master’s degree through the Glucksman Ireland House center for Irish and Irish-American studies at NYU.

“I absolutely love the program,” said Willits, “and it would be a great place for anyone who procured an interest in Irish history or Irish studies at AQ to pursue a graduate degree. I couldn't recommend it more.”

After finishing his Irish studies degree, Willits is unsure of the exact path he’ll take, but he knows that continuing his education is what’s most important.

“Maybe a PhD, maybe law school, maybe the foreign service,” said Willits. “I don't know yet - but the learning will never stop. I think it is a great failing in our culture to view education as strictly an investment or a vocational training, that is to say, a means to producing capital. Getting an education is an end in and of itself. All of the great things that come as a consequence of being educated are just happy side effects. The day I stop trying to learn something new will be the day that they put me into the flames.”