Josh Brown might be one of the busiest freshmen on campus.
Born in the “rolling mountains of Appalachia” in Corryton, Tennessee, Brown is now pursuing a triple major in political science, global studies and linguistics.
But that’s not all. In June, Brown decided to start exploring the five most practiced religions in the modern world, as listed in the CIA World Factbook: Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
“It was my belief that through the journey from the exoteric branches of spirituality to the esoteric levels of mysticism, many of the behemoths of faith we see so prevalent today shared a common ancestry,” said Brown.
For the next four years, Brown intends to practice each religion for eight months. He will devote himself completely to each religion in practice, creed and belief and then take one month in between each phase to study the connections between each faith.
“I hope to understand their core tenets and the relationships they have developed and influenced with and upon one another,” said Brown. “After having completed this experiential journey, I hope to take the knowledge and experiences I safeguard and apply them to the world and how religions impact international diplomacy and the methods countries undertake when communicating, trading and dealing with opposing nations that do not share similar beliefs and practices.”
Already, Brown’s feelings about spirituality, individualism and the mutual globalized society have begun to shift.
“Though I am early in my research, I continue to grow daily within my practice of Islam and eventually the other four as well,” Brown said.
As one of 15 Haslam Scholars accepted this fall, Brown takes pride in his involvement with the prestigious program.
“I was honored to join a cohort containing some of the South’s greatest minds,” said Brown. “This program, with its emphasis on research, global readiness and community, embodies many attributes I hope to display within my public life while at the UT, and in my private life with loved ones and dear friends.”
Because of his interests in domestic and international laws and politics, Brown hopes to get involved with the OUTreach community, Student Government Association and the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.
However, Brown’s interests extend beyond academic and political issues. Having previously worked with cosmetic companies like Clinique, Esteé Lauder, Lancome and Elizabath Arden, Brown is also an experienced beautician and make-up artist.
Of his decision to attend UT, Brown noted the unique opportunities a large, public university guarantees.
“Many other universities lacked the opportunity for me to truly stand out and make an impact with the resources afforded to me,” Brown said. “Within the University of Tennessee and the Haslam Scholars Program, I am able to be a student of few to serve the many as opposed to being a student of the many to serve the few.”
