"When I originally chose GW, I realized that I was attending a big, nationally ranked school over smaller, more intimate environments, however, I have been surprised to really feel part of a close-knit
community."
After completing her business degree at the University of Miami, Kristalyn Loson worked at a United Way helpline and witnessed the desperate need for legal assistance, especially among those in low-income communities. “I realized how lucky I was to be given the opportunity to attend law school,” she says.
Inspired by her post-college experience, 3L Loson has chosen to pursue the specialized area of nonprofit law, which she hopes to use in a career counseling the United Way or other organizations. Loson, who is a member of the Public Contract Law Journal and the Equal Justice Foundation, says receiving the Glen A. Wilkinson Scholarship has helped her focus more intently on her future career path. In particular, the generous award has allowed her to seek out opportunities such as judicial internships, instead of having to search for part-time jobs to pay the bills. She says the experience has been unparalleled. “When I originally chose GW, I realized that I was attending a big, nationally ranked school over smaller, more intimate environments,” she says. “However, I have been surprised to really feel part of a close-knit community. The award has made me feel more connected to GW and the alumni community.”
Loson, who is also a Thurgood Marshall Scholar and coordinates all internal and external mock trial competitions as president of the Mock Trial Board, says she is inspired to make a difference. “I am so appreciative of the award and hope someday to return the favor to another student,” Loson says. A legal education, she adds, leads to “a rewarding career and a chance to gain skills that could be used for the betterment of the community.”