Student Spotlight: Dennis Wu '10

Growing up, we all had childhood dreams. Some kids want to become astronauts, and others aspire to sing on Broadway. When I was 11 years old, my dream was to become Commissioner of Major League Baseball. When the players went on strike on August 12, 1994, I made an effort to understand the issues that led to the labor dispute hoping that, as an adult, I could be a part of a solution to prevent it from happening again. Learning the business of baseball was how I spent my adolescent years, and then I went on to work for professional sports organizations during college and after graduation. Baseball was my life.

As we become adults, many times our goals in life change. I was no different. After years of focusing on the very narrow sports industry, I felt unsatisfied with my career. As much as I loved working in the sports industry, I realized that life was too short to be consumed by a profession that at the end of the day was ‘just a game.’ I was compelled to expand my career goals and put my skills toward a greater purpose where I was exposed to issues affecting the everyday lives of those around me.

Although it meant starting from scratch, I determined that the political realm could give me insight into the many areas I had long ignored, such as global conflicts and the world economy. Working under United States Senator Evan Bayh (D-Ind.), I was able to realize the importance of working for a greater cause and the gratification it offered; it was far beyond what I had experienced in my previous career. If I were to someday have a career devoted to public service, it was apparent that a law school education would be invaluable, since the law is one of the pillars that make up the foundation of our country.

Notre Dame Law School has been an ideal place to fulfill my newfound passion and begin a new dream more far-reaching than baseball. Engaging in discussion about the law and its implications for society has allowed me to expand my horizons and think critically in ways I never could have imagined. Not only does my experience at Notre Dame allow me an opportunity to begin a new chapter of my career by further opening my eyes to the world, it has also helped in providing me with a new outlook on life.

For more information about Dennis, view his Admissions Profile page.