With bachelor’s in literature, language and writing, pre-law KU grad prepares for LSAT

Today he works as a customer service representative at a bank, but this 22-year-old May graduate has big plans for his future: he aspires to be an attorney.

Jeremiah Ikwuwunna graduated from KU this spring with a bachelor’s in literature, language and writing, a minor in law and society and a robust involvement in extracurriculars, including the undergraduate mock trial, National Society of Collegiate Scholars and a position as transfer student ambassador. On top of that, he works six days a week.

With everything he has going on, it can be difficult to combat burnout. “Some days more than others, this routine would take a toll on me,” said Ikwuwunna. “My proudest accomplishment is sticking with it and not giving up on my education.”

His next step? Setting time aside to study for the LSAT. Read Ikwuwunna’s advice on making your dreams a reality.

Q: What is a typical day in your life like?

A: A typical day in my life sees me waking up early in the morning to go to work at the bank from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After work, I then go home to eat before starting evening classes at KUEC. After classes, I work on coursework before getting ready for work the next day.

Q: What makes you the happiest?

A: I am happiest when I am surrounded by family and great food!

Q: What motivates you?

A: What motivates me is knowing how far I have come, the obstacles I have overcome and that there are people rooting to see me succeed.

Q: Why did you choose KU and the Edwards Campus?

A: I chose KUEC due to its proximity, affordable tuition and intimate campus.

Q: How did KUEC meet your personal and/or academic needs?

A: KUEC met my academic needs in that it provided me with GREAT professors who were not teaching so many students that I could not develop a professional relationship with them. KUEC met my personal needs in that it allowed me to further develop as a young adult walking into the professional world.

Q: How has your KU degree prepared you for the future?

A: KU has prepared me for the future in that it has shown me I am capable of accomplishing big things. I believe that KU has provided me the skills that I need to succeed not only in my future career but also in life – skills such as critical thinking, excellent communication, teamwork, work ethic and management skills.

Q: What was the most difficult part of earning your college degree and how did you overcome it?

A: The most difficult part of earning my college degree was having very little time to myself. During college, my days usually consisted of working every day except Sunday, course work and Zoom classes. Some days more than others, this routine would take a toll on me to the point that I often felt myself batting burnout. I overcame this obstacle by trying my best to remain organized so that I could find time in between to have leisure time.

Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?

A: My proudest accomplishment is sticking with it and not giving up on my education. I am proud to have become an executive member for the KU chapter of National Society of Collegiate Scholars, to have participated in undergraduate mock trial and to have become a member of KU staff.

Q: What is your favorite memory of your time at KUEC?

A: My favorite memory of my time at KUEC probably came about during new student orientation. I enjoyed being able to meet new students and encourage them in their journey just like I was encouraged when I first began courses at KUEC.

Q: What are your long-term career goals and how do you plan to achieve them?

A: My long-term career goal is to become an attorney for a large corporation. After graduation, I plan to continue working and set time aside to study full-time to take the LSAT. After taking the LSAT and being accepted into law school, I plan to work hard in school to achieve academic success and have more opportunities coming out of law school.

Q: What advice would you give others who are thinking of earning a degree, whether a first-time bachelor’s, a second bachelor’s or a master’s?

A: I would say that you should figure out what it is that you really want in life. Then figure out how a college degree or master’s incorporates into that vision. Next, I would say once you have that in mind to not be afraid to go for it, to know that there will be setbacks, that not everything will always go as planned, but that is okay as long as you never lose sight of your goal, your destination, where you realistically would like to see yourself in life.

Learn more about the Bachelor of Literature, Language and Writing at KU Edwards Campus.