Timothy Keebler

Full Name: Timothy Keebler

Hometown: Boyertown, PA

Major: Meteorology

Minors: Mathematics; Heliophysics and Space Weather

Year: Senior

Expected Semester of Graduation: Spring 2019

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Why did you join the Honors College?

The Honors College appealed to me because it is truly a community of scholars, of students with similar motivations and focus on academics. Through a diverse course of study with a focus on advanced learning, the MU Honors program seemed like a natural extension of the honors and AP programs at my high school. It has been that and more, providing both interesting coursework, lifelong friendships, and an irreplaceable sense of community.

What was your favorite honors course/professor? Why?

My favorite Honors course was History of Ideas with Professor Maxwell. It focused on examining the development of the idea of racism, the idea of an 'other' that provided a way of separating different people. Through time, it was interesting to see how the idea of an 'other' moved from on form to another against the backdrop of philosophy and world history. The course was challenging and engaging, and I wish I could take it again. It completely changed the way I view the world, and instilled in me a collegiate work ethic that has proven invaluable. Additionally, Dr. Maxwell is one of the best professors you will ever have (hint: he is actually a British spy). 

How many credits do you typically take?

Like most Honors students, I typically carry 15-18 credits each semester. Of those, usually three to six credits are Honors, depending on scheduling. I have found that it is best to be in this range each semester in order to graduate on time while maintaining a balance between school and leisure/work. Most students take more Honors credits early in their careers to lessen the load closer to graduation. 

What does your typical day look like?

My typical day is very busy, but definitely fulfilling. I have on average three hours of class and meetings for clubs interspersed throughout. My busiest day is host to three hour-long classes and one three-hour lab with two hours of meteorology club officer commitments in the evening, but most students do not have this much on any given day. I usually have a few hours to set aside for studying and I have been able to work twelve hours a week as well. I enjoy a large degree of control over my schedule, so I can effectively manage my own time and take on as much as I can handle. 

What other organizations have you been a part of?

I have become very involved in the Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society. Additionally, I am a member of the Submersible Research Team, Campus Weather Service, and our very own Honors College Student Association.

What leadership roles have you had on campus?

I am currently the Historian for the meteorology club and the Secretary for the submersible research team. I also serve as a student representative on the Honors College Curriculum Committee. Finally, I participate as a mentor in both the meteorology and Honors College mentorship programs. 

What was your favorite Honors College event?

It is difficult to choose a favorite Honors College event. Each one is a blast because you are with all of your friends. The corn maze in particular was a great adventure, as we all had to deal with my map reading skills!

What advice would you give an incoming Freshman?

Be sure to get involved as much as you can as soon as you can. Join clubs, attend speakers and shows, go to meetings and events, do whatever strikes your fancy until you find your niche. Thus stated, academics always come first. Finally, upperclassmen are your best friends. They have been where you are and know (mostly) what they are doing. You can usually find someone willing to help you out or give you advice; try to buy your textbooks off them for cheaper and find out which professors are tricky that way. College is dually about gaining the skills you need and forming relationships to aid you later in life, so talk to people and make new friends. This is one of the main advantages to the Honors College; the framework is already built for you for networking.