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By Kelsey Raymer
At the beginning of the school year, the senior class participated in a seminar with Natalie and Col. Reyes where we were asked, “What legacy do you want to leave behind?” When this question was first posed, I was stumped. I had never seen myself as someone influential enough to leave behind a legacy. Now that I am coming to the end of my undergraduate education, I am reconceptualizing legacy as more of a precedent of character. I want future scholars to enhance the best of their character as they carry out the motto of Leadership, Scholarship, and Service.
The formidable Charles Hamilton Houston said, “A lawyer is either a social engineer or a parasite on society.” This quote and the implicit notion of the power of education have guided my journey to defining my role in society and what perspectives I want to impart upon my future
career. While Charles Hamilton Houston focused his words towards attorneys, I find his words are applicable to all of society. As one grows and learns, particularly if one has the gift of an education, there is a choice to be someone who facilitates collective good or someone who leeches off society for individual gain. I believe the choice is defined by an individual's global perspective. Specifically, how one intends to learn about the world and what actions will follow.
Throughout my undergraduate career, I sought participation in opportunities where I get
to learn about experiences both in and out of the textbook. I have learned that while textbooks
can quantify the scope of an experience, talking to those who lived it will enhance my capacity
for compassion. Thus, I have a greater discernment for understanding the human perspective in
our history and foreseeing the greater implications. This perspective and curiosity are
characteristics I hope the future leaders I encounter every day adopt. It is a perspective that I
learned from the leaders I aspire to emulate and a characteristic that lends itself to the
continuation of collectivism and social responsibility.
I hope that future scholars recognize my commitment to service and community and see
it as a path for them to follow as well. My unwavering commitment has led me to states and
countries that I could never have imagined visiting. I have interacted with people that have
instilled in me so much wisdom for the world. Most importantly, I find myself developing into an
individual who thinks with community and circumstance first, which is my proudest attribute. I
can say wholeheartedly that I have become a global citizen and I am on the path to becoming a
social engineer.
Regarding the legacy I want to leave, I write this to the future scholars:
No accolade will ever amount to the feeling you get from being altruistic. Giving yourself
to the greatest cause of all, Society, will reap more benefits than any dollar can touch. Thus,
honor the social responsibility you possess. Grow with your neighbors, not ahead of them,
because it is easier to look to your left and see a friend than look behind and see someone
forgotten. Father Time remains undefeated, so begin your journey now and dream about the
happiness of progress you will share.
Kelsey is a McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville in the class of 2026. She is studying political science and social work.