Jimmy Wright is one of those outwardly tuned people. He is one of those folks constantly seeking out new people, new places and new cultures. Hailing from Amarillo, Texas, Wright learned growing up that his opinion was not the only one that mattered. David and Anneta Wright raised their son early on to be concerned with the needs and wishes of others. He says, "My parents always taught me that I was part of a larger social group, something that was bigger than just me. They helped me understand that I have responsibilities beyond myself."

Wright's upbringing instilled the importance of serving and working with others, and this value influenced his decision to attend Southwestern. He says, "I decided that Southwestern was the place for me based on its closeness to Austin, I was certain I wanted to do something with government and the great faculty/student ratio. When I visited the campus, I honestly had the feeling that it was 'the place for me.'" While at the University, Wright worked to achieve his goals of public service. "I double-majored in Spanish and political science with a minor in history. I love learning about different cultures and the actual workings of governance." Despite his busy academic calendar, he strove to help others and serve the Southwestern community. He filled many posts in the Student Congress and was elected student body president. Wright also devoted his time and energy to Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity, and organized their statewide conference at Southwestern.

After his third year, Wright experienced a personal revelation and enlisted in the Army National Guard. He explains, "I decided that I needed to serve my country and knew that it would make me a more well-rounded citizen and individual. I also knew that the army would prepare me for anything I could face in the civilian world. Needless to say, having bullets fly over my head and flash-bang grenades exploding right next to me definitely put life in a different perspective for me!" All the bullets and explosions failed to scare him off; so, after earning his degree, he served full-time as a retention NCO for an aviation unit in Austin. Wright's job was to convince people already enlisted in the Army to extend their service. He had one of the highest retention rates in the state, and based on his work performance, uniform inspections, knowledge of soldiering, weapons intelligence, first aid skills, understanding of military law and several additional categories he was named the Texas State Soldier of the Year for 2003. At that time, 18,000 soldiers were eligible for the award.

After his time in the military, Wright left the public sector for the business world and now works as an independent landman in the oil and gas business. He says, "the easiest way I can describe it is this: I research and negotiate for different clients of mine who are trying to secure oil and gas leases to explore for minerals. It is very rewarding and allows me the opportunity to travel and interact with many different people." While it is not the government work Wright envisioned when he started at Southwestern, his work is a near perfect fit for him. "It affords me the opportunity to use all of my skills--foreign language, interpersonal relations and research--to accomplish the goals of my clients. Of all the jobs I have had, none has left me feeling more fulfilled than doing what I do now."

Next April, he will marry Laura Wheeler '04, "the most wonderful woman in the world." He continues to serve others and is working to develop new ways to do so. "I am working with the American Association of Professional Landmen to create a new Society for Young Landmen. I have realized the importance of mentorship to my own career and hope to do what I can to help future landmen succeed."