.png)
 |
| Jeremy Ball BClass of 2017 |
By Jeremy Ball, Class of 2017
Coming into college, I was like so many political science students; I had one goal: law school. Growing up, I was completely enthralled (and still am) by the concept of law and the U.S. Constitution. To me, seeing how various elements of our legal structure work together to form our judicial branch completely fascinated me. When I became a McConnell, I "knew" I was going to be a lawyer. I was going to major in political science, proceed to a well-established law school, and after years of hard work, join the Supreme Court. Yeah... It was a lofty goal, but I knew it was for me.
Coming into college, I was like so many political science students; I had one goal: law school. Growing up, I was completely enthralled (and still am) by the concept of law and the U.S. Constitution. To me, seeing how various elements of our legal structure work together to form our judicial branch completely fascinated me. When I became a McConnell, I "knew" I was going to be a lawyer. I was going to major in political science, proceed to a well-established law school, and after years of hard work, join the Supreme Court. Yeah... It was a lofty goal, but I knew it was for me.
But I wasn't expecting one detail; every lawyer I met would tell me not to go to law school. I'm not sure if it's a running joke of lawyers, but it seemed that every lawyer I met told me "don't go to law school." They would recount their miseries of class, studying for the bar, and various details about their job that made it miserable. At the start, I just laughed it off; it really didn't phase me. But now, in the middle of my junior year, I realize how much those words impacted me. While not every lawyer I met seemingly hates their job, it's an honest statement to say the vast majority of those I have met do.
After much thought and consideration, my goals have changed. After various conferences and opportunities, I have decided to pursue a graduate program in public policy. I want to be an actor of change that acts upon various issues close to my heart, and have the tools needed to make a difference. I hope to use my public policy degree to work on the economic development of the Appalachian region. While I am incredibly excited for the future, I know my current goals fall more in line with what I truly want: to make a difference. Although my goals may have changed, but the intent remains the same.
Jeremy Ball is a sophomore McConnell Scholar at the University of Louisville. He studies political science and economics.