What is your job/position?
I am an attorney in Maysville, KY. I own my own practice. I practice criminal law and family law.
Describe the path that took you from your American Studies degree to your current career or life situation.
After I graduated in 2014, I worked for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, helping families apply for public assistance. I worked there for 2.5 years. I really didn't like that job so I decided to attend law school. I attended Northern Kentucky University, Chase Law School and graduated in Dec 2019. I was admitted to the Kentucky Bar in 2020.
What are the specific competencies you cultivated as an American Studies student that you now use in your professional life and that set you apart from your colleagues?
I was scared of going to law school. I knew that it would be extremely difficult. I found that attending BYU and my major prepared me in a way that other students were not prepared for. I did have to work hard but I felt that I was able to use my time more efficiently as I had a very broad base to build my legal education on.
What are some of the surprising ways in which your American Studies degree has helped you in your professional or personal life?
Legal research is essential for an attorney. As most of my American Studies classes involved research, I essentially use those skills learned at BYU every day.
What do you wish you had known as an American Studies student? What advice would you share with current students?
Enjoy your classes. Looking back, I wish I had allowed myself to enjoy them more than I did.
*You can contact Alex with any questions about his American Studies story at asmitty00@gmail.com.