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| Travis Wilson Class of 2016 |
By Travis Wilson, Class of 2016
I began my undergraduate career with an interest in pursuing law because of its interaction with political history. As I pursued majors in History and Economics, supplemented by the seminars and colloquia attended as a McConnell Scholar, I confirmed the value of law as a critical tool to understanding history and business. From that insight, I took the initiative to prepare myself for a law career in every way possible. My studies reflect my desire to sharpen both my research and writing ability through history, and my capacity for logical thought and understanding of business through economics. The McConnell Scholars Program has supplemented my coursework with an intense course of readings in classics, philosophy, and current events, all of which instilled in me a further appreciation of the law and its significance. Through my internship at a large regional law firm, I appreciate the realities of practicing law and have familiarized myself with the process of developing a successful practice. These experiences only increased my enthusiasm for a career in law. Law will allow me to apply my analytical skills, sharpen my logical abilities, and position myself in the culture and economy to make an impact for the cause I care most about: caring for the elderly.
I began my undergraduate career with an interest in pursuing law because of its interaction with political history. As I pursued majors in History and Economics, supplemented by the seminars and colloquia attended as a McConnell Scholar, I confirmed the value of law as a critical tool to understanding history and business. From that insight, I took the initiative to prepare myself for a law career in every way possible. My studies reflect my desire to sharpen both my research and writing ability through history, and my capacity for logical thought and understanding of business through economics. The McConnell Scholars Program has supplemented my coursework with an intense course of readings in classics, philosophy, and current events, all of which instilled in me a further appreciation of the law and its significance. Through my internship at a large regional law firm, I appreciate the realities of practicing law and have familiarized myself with the process of developing a successful practice. These experiences only increased my enthusiasm for a career in law. Law will allow me to apply my analytical skills, sharpen my logical abilities, and position myself in the culture and economy to make an impact for the cause I care most about: caring for the elderly.
I intend to practice business transactional law. I have become interested in this type of law through my study of economics and through my interaction with attorneys at my internship. That work depends upon analytical talent, relationship skills, negotiation ability, a strong sense of ethics, and an eye for opportunity. Through various academic and practical endeavors, especially my study of economics and involvement with the non-profit I founded, Helping Hands Serving Hearts, Inc., I have learned how to build a successful enterprise in a competitive business environment. I intend to apply this understanding, combined with a legal education, to create opportunities for clients which benefit society as a whole. The financial stability from a business law practice can then make it possible for me to venture out into the community to serve the underrepresented elderly population.
My pro bono efforts will be assisting the elderly in finding the legal services they need to combat the injuries they experience due to their age. I have already demonstrated my passion for serving this population through my work with Helping Hands Serving Hearts, Inc. “Helping Hands” is a small non-profit organization at the University of Louisville which has connected student volunteers with over one hundred senior citizens in need of assistance with various projects around their home. While many of my duties were administrative, I have made an effort to spend numerous hours with volunteers in client homes, which has only confirmed my desire to work with the aging population and has provided insight into their most important daily and legal needs.
Oftentimes, elderly clients will describe how a landscaper or contractor took advantage of their lack of mobility or failing mental faculties to avoid fulfillment of their duties while retaining the profits. Helping Hands has remedied some of these situations by performing the needed task free of charge or by providing a referral to a partnered social services agency; however, more needs to be done. With a legal education, I will be qualified to provide pro bono assistance to those facing elder abuse. Whether I work to remedy individual wrongs, educate the public, or work to influence legislatures, I intend for these efforts to become a considerable portion of my entire legal practice.
Travis Wilson, of Burlington, Ky., is a senior McConnell Scholar majoring in history and economics.
Travis Wilson, of Burlington, Ky., is a senior McConnell Scholar majoring in history and economics.