A Reflection On My Time as a McConnell Scholar

Jeremy Ball
Class of 2017

As I progress throughout this semester, the idea of graduation becomes all too real. As a senior, I have found myself reflecting on my time at UofL a lot lately. Undoubtedly these last four years have been some of the most transformative years of my life, and I am eternally grateful for everyone that has contributed to my experience as a student. Specifically, my time as a McConnell Scholar has provided me with some of the most impactful experiences of my time here at UofL. Notably, the friendships I have developed with fellow scholars and the Center staff will undoubtedly carry with me throughout my life. The number of seminars and learning experiences have expanded my mind, and helped craft me into a more well-rounded and intellectual person. My experiences traveling with the Center will also stand as some of the most memorable. Traveling to China was a truly wonderful experience, and it is hard to put into words what it was like. Spending time with my fellow classmates seeing some of the most amazing sites in the world has created treasured memories I often reflect upon. The train rides, karaoke nights, and endless walking all bring back very fond memories.

Though undoubtedly, what I will treasure most of all things mentioned, are the friendships I have made. One might think that a group of scholarship students would create a hostile environment full of competition... no doubt we are all striving for our best... However, some of my best friends in college have come from the McConnell Scholars program. My classmates are all truly wonderful people I have loved spending time with, and the other scholars have made my day so many times. I could write endlessly about what a number of them mean to me, whether it's Nicole's joy, and Macey's pure spirit, but I wouldn't have time, and you wouldn't have the patience to read. So with that, I just want to express my upmost thanks to everyone who helped make my time as a Scholar so meaningly. I truly look forward to a lifetime of friendship, and always coming back to those that have meant the world. 

Jeremy Ball, of Manchester, Ky., is a senior McConnell Scholar studying political science, economics, history, and international business.