What is your background?: I was raised in a dual family household, being the second youngest of six boys, where trade professions dominated, near Clarion, IA. In such an environment, it was hard for someone of my academic inclinations not to feel somewhat like an outsider. I gravitated toward military service, not only out of a sense of duty to my country, as the esteemed President Kennedy once urged, but also because I recognized it as one of the few means by which I could afford higher education. Unfortunately, the experience proved to be less than ideal, as the mental and emotional strain was more than I could burden while being a full-time employee and student. After some reflection, I made the conscious decision to step away from my studies and focus on self-development, with the unwavering knowledge that I would return to finish what I had started. After my service concluded in 2019, an abundant amount of research, and encouragement from my family, I decided I would continue my education. I was fortunate enough to be offered multiple scholarships, one by the State of Iowa for Kirkwood’s Paralegal Studies program, where I have since continued to excel in my coursework, all while maintaining full-time employment.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: After deciding to continue my education, I realized that jumping back into a four-year program might be overwhelming, especially for someone who hadn’t been in school for nearly a decade. I recognized this approach wouldn’t support the growth I had made. I knew I had to find a program I had passion for, as that would deepen my desire to perform well and would have to be an online program as I would need to maintain employment during my studies. I had little to no luck in finding programs that interested me until I discovered Kirkwood’s Paralegal Studies program. Knowing that I aspired for law school and a career as an attorney, I found that the program would allow me to obtain a foundation in legal matters that might benefit me when starting law school. Furthermore, the program would be a perfect choice to facilitate my passion for law.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: My program of study is Paralegal Studies. My interest in law dates back to when I was about 10 years old. I remember seeing lawyers on TV and being inspired by their advocation for clients. The way defense attorneys stood up to the government prosecutors, the way prosecutors put away the bad guys, I admired what they did and their conviction in their jobs and the process. This led me to pursue a deep interest in law. Fast forward to when I was deciding where to continue my education and what I was to pursue, I discovered a program that was in conjunction with my earliest passion: Kirkwood’s Paralegal Studies program. Knowing I planned to go to law school in the future, I realized this would be a fantastic opportunity to gain a solid foundation in preparing me for law school. It would also allow me to take classes that would be able to pinpoint my legal area of interest so I knew what I would want to focus on in law school, and eventually end up practicing.
Are you involved in anything on campus?: I am an inductee of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and have been a participant on several occasions. Unfortunately, my full-time employment and studies keep me too busy to participate in many campus activities or organizations.
What do you do for fun?: I have a wide array of interests. I enjoy exercising by swimming and biking. I love hanging out with my friends and family. Recently I have found myself traveling for school purposes and I really like seeing new places. I enjoy playing video games. I also love soaking up the sun when it’s sunny and warm.
Where do you see yourself in five years?: Five years seems like a long way away. However, I have dreamed of what I believe my circumstances will look like in five years for a very long time. I am not sure where I will by physically. I hope it will be at Columbia Law School, NYU Law School, University of Chicago Law School, UCLA Law School, or even a couple others, but I will be in my final months of law school, about to graduate, with a position in a top firm waiting for me in a very warm location.