Alex Varon is Networking to Make a Difference
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ALEX VARON
Biology | School of Biological Sciences | 2017 | Honors Program | Vice President of student body
Where is UMKC taking you?
I came to college from Papillion, Neb., thinking I would go on to medical school. But involvement in student government at UMKC has led me to a new idea. Now I’d like to go to Law School after graduation and pursue a career in patent law.
Why did you choose UMKC?
It is financially reasonable. I knew my brother had a successful experience here. And academically it’s a really good option.
What are your lifelong goals?
Aside from going into law, I would like to serve in some civic capacity. Take a stint in politics. I think it would be a dream to serve as a representative or senator. My time here has shown me there’s a lot of inaction in political entities. At the same time, there’s a large outcry for it. I feel almost a civic duty to get involved.
How has college inspired you?
The university has given me the resources to work in situations that I wouldn’t have found myself otherwise. Working with enthusiastic and passionate individuals in those situations has really motivated me to excel in the tasks I’m involved in.
Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?
I’ve learned above all else, that while I’m great at personally achieving my goals, I find that I love the involvement and understanding that comes with doing group-oriented work.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received from a professor?
The best advice I received was to go out and be involved with whatever caught my interest. Following that advice has brought me academic connections, employment and a wonderful group of friends.
Who do you admire most at UMKC and why?
I admire the ability of UMKC to promote the involvement of students from incredibly diverse backgrounds, and give students the chance to learn from one another.
What’s your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is really not knowing what the future holds. I could be so many different things in the future, and it’s often overwhelming to think about it.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully having graduated law school and finding work as a United States patent attorney living in Kansas City.
What is one word that best describes you and why?
Informed. I’ve always gone out of my way to educate myself on the laws, policies and procedures that affect my life and the lives of those close to me, and am always seeking to improve that quality of life through that understanding.
What motto do you live by?
It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.
That’s not to discredit personal knowledge and growth and development. But definitely to advance, you need to make those connections happen. I’m not going to be successful without them.
In my role in the student senate, if I wanted to pass something, I had to go out of my way to talk to people.
What excites you?
It would have to be social dynamics. I have to be able to talk to a person and register what they believe. It’s interesting to understand new points of view and how someone can interact with others.