Ryan Simpson: Student at Drake University Law School
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published August 20, 2007
Mahsa Khalilifar
<<"It kind of just happened," Simpson said with a chuckle of his decision to go into law school. "I know it's a weird response, but I've always had a hard time deciding what to do," he explained. However, he's glad he made the decision that he did.
After Simpson received his undergraduate degree in sociology and history/government in three years from William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, he decided to head to law school. Simpson was not always sure of his future, though. He grew up wanting to be a variety of different things: "archeologist, stockbroker, forensics scientist." But then crime defense and prosecution sparked his interest, so law school it was.
At 17 years old, Simpson would watch Western movies, and that eventually ignited his writing passion. He initially wanted to write a Western but realized the amount of research it would require was overwhelming. He started looking into crime novels and started to write what would be his first fiction novel.
Simpson, an Albia, Iowa, native, started writing during his spare time: after and before school and whenever else he had a chance to add to his book. He also worked at a local grocery store and did some construction work.
At 19, Simpson finished his first novel. First naming it Game On before switching to Shadows Rising, he based the book on "the trail and thoughts of an FBI detective that is trying to solve a murder case of a popular presidential candidate. It also follows the thoughts of the killer, who is a multimillionaire who kills for fun." Other trouble ensues, and the plot goes from there.
Shadows Rising is not due out until winter 2007 from the publishing company that is representing him, but Simpson is already halfway through his second novel and contemplating his third.
"I'm somebody who always has to be busy," Simpson said, explaining how he juggles law school and writing. "I play video games; I do martial arts. I need to stay busy."
Simpson just finished his first year at Drake University Law School in Des Moines, Iowa, and is gearing up for his second year. Simpson chose Drake for its history and size (it is a small private school). The first week of classes was not easy, though.
"I thought, 'Jeez, can I really do this?'" he said. "Did I choose the right thing?" he wondered at first. But now Simpson is glad about his choice and is happy that this year he can pick classes that are to his liking. He is not giving up on his love of writing, though—at least not yet. He hopes to go into writing and real estate law in the future.
Right now, Simpson enjoys classes that have to do with real estate but is not a big fan of the Socratic Method used in a number of classes. It makes him revert back to being young, when the teacher would call on a student randomly and ask that student questions right on the spot.
"It makes you feel like you're a little kid," said Simpson, practically cringing as he discussed his least-favorite aspect. "You just hope you don't get called on because it's like putting you in the hot seat."
Simpson is not in any student organizations yet because of the hectic schedule he had his first year, but he is gearing up for future internships and other projects he will be working on. For now, Simpson is enjoying the process of writing and learning more about property law and what a future in it entails. He is also interested in lobbying, so he is looking into that as well.
Q.
What is in your CD player right now?
A.
Right now, in my CD player I have a 3 Doors Down CD.
Q.
Throughout your lifetime, what movie have you watched the most?
A.
Office Space.
Q.
What was the last magazine you read?
A.
Tennis magazine.
Q.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
A.
Chocolate cookie dough.
Q.
If you had an extra hour in the day, what would you spend it doing?
A.
Writing.
For fun, Simpson likes to play golf and participate in tennis tournaments when he gets a chance. He is also a fan of traveling and wants to move to somewhere in the western U.S., perhaps New Mexico, or to the East Coast area or maybe to Tennessee—"as long as it is warmer," he said.
As for advice for future students, he knows deciding to attend law school is a choice not to be made lightly.
"It's a real big decision, so have an idea of what you want to do before you go," he stressed. "Talk to people who have been to [law school] before and be prepared. I wish I could have done that."
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