Fellowship Spotlight: Kalin Wilson

Fellowship Spotlight:  Kalin Wilson

Today we talked to Kalin Wilson for our Fellowship Spotlight. Kalin shared some of her future goals and plans as well what she is learning during her time as a legislative fellow with the Spencer Frye Fellowship Program.

Graduation Date: May 2016

Majors or Areas of Study: Economics/Pre-law

Hometown: New York City, NY

Community & Campus Involvement: UGA Fencing Club, Economics Society, Phi Alpha Delta, Student Associate for the Office of Legal Affairs

What interested you most about the Spencer Frye Fellowship Program?

I was interested in being able to be active in the legislative process. I have been interested in law, but I was never able to learn about the political side of the process. Also, being able to travel to the Capitol and learn from politicians is such an amazing opportunity

What do you contribute to as a Fellow for the Spencer Frye team?

I read pieces of legislation for Representative Frye and write bill memos with summaries and analysis. I also attend Clark County Democrats meetings to learn about current issues that the community faces.

What have you learned as a Fellow?

I have learned what needs to happen to get a bill passed in the Capitol. I did not know that needing sponsors and promoting your bill with other representatives was necessary for the success of legislation. Being able to be such an active part of the process is opening my eyes to the multiple facets of the legal field.  

What are your future goals?

I hope to attend law school in the fall and specialize in intellectual property law.

What do you love most about Athens?

Definitely the food! I love the different restaurants that are in Athens! There are so many different cultures that are represented in Athens and I love being able to try each one.

What’s been the your favorite experience of the Spencer Frye Fellowship so far?

I loved attending the Clark County Democrats meeting. It was interesting to hear from teachers and education professionals about the problems they face and how local legislation is so important.

What’s your favorite place in Athens, Georgia?

My favorite place in Athens is Highwire lounge. It’s walking distance front the Arch I love the live music they have. Also, everything on their menu is really delicious.

What are your hobbies outside of school and the Fellowship program?

I love to bake! Desserts are my weakness and it’s a great way to take a break from studying and have snacks for the following week.

If you could spend a day with anyone, who would it be?

Haben Girma, she is a true inspiration for so many people.

What is the last book you read?

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.

Where’s the most interesting place you’ve ever traveled?

I would have to say Germany. I traveled there in high school, and it was an amazing experience to be immersed in the culture.

Who has been the biggest role model in your life? Why?

My biggest role model in my life has certainly been my mom. She is currently working on starting her own real estate brokerage, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She has taught me to always believe in myself and take risks. She always leads by example. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.

If you could fix one thing about the current world we live in, what would it be and why?

I think there should be a greater focus on teaching students foreign languages in middle and high schools, especially in the United States. High schools mostly focus on teaching Spanish and French. However, Chinese and Arabic are fast growing languages and these classes aren’t usually taught until you get to higher education.

What has been your greatest experience during your college career?

I would say being able to study in New York for a year and a half. Having teachers from all different cultures and lifestyles was a great learning experience.

Name something that people might be surprised to know about you.

I can write two of the three Japanese alphabets.

What’s your favorite quote?

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”

-Arthur Ashe