Christopher Rose
You did an epic hike of the Appalachian Trail. Give us the highlights.
Six months, 2156 miles, all uphill. My trail name was “Popsicle,” because I almost froze to death. The first of many times I almost died. Got lost in nighttime fog so thick I couldn’t see my feet; was followed by a bear in the Smokies (also at night); nearly lost an eye in the Hundred-Mile Wilderness; contracted Lyme disease. The biggest lesson I learned is that its hard to die, so take a few chances. Also, a person can live off Kraft Mac n’ Cheese indefinitely.
And you were a table games dealer here for some time before starting law school. What did you enjoy about that work?
I was a casino dealer for 15 years. I can start a conversation with anyone. The real skill is figuring out what people want to talk about. The job was 90 percent party, 10 percent existential reckoning. Taking money from people for a living can weigh heavy upon the soul. In the end, as much as I (mostly) enjoyed playing games and meeting new people, counting to 21 just doesn’t amount to much of a challenge after a little while.
Tell us your plans following graduation in May and the bar exam in July.
After graduation, I will likely take a weekend off (a near-foreign concept at the moment), then begin studying for the bar. Alas, my two strengths, height and charm, are not tested. After the bar I will continue to work as a lobbyist for Strategies 360. No six-minute increments for me. I like the multi-dimensional approach that is required to succeed as a lobbyist. Plus it plays to my strengths (see above).
Sweaters or hoodies?
From a utilitarian standpoint, hoodies. Aesthetically, sweaters.