Harris has big plans for a career in politics

you must understand the law. Some laws have been implemented for the better and some for the worse. This is where I have an opportunity to implement significant change.”

Harris said his political/legal mindset has been shaped by former U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy, a progressive-thinking presidential candidatewho was assassinated in 1968.

“I align myself with him — and, as a fun fact, we share the same birthday,” Harris said. “His compassion is something that I alignmyself with. He looked to find the truth in his efforts to help everyone. I feel as he grew and developed, he had a great compassion for the human race. For minorities, for everyone.That’s how I’m approaching this.”

Other historical figures such as philosopher Thomas Paine — “Interesting and compelling,” Harris said. — and U.S. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton — “He had hisflaws, but he was out to help the common man,” Harris said — steered Harris toward publicservice.

In college alone, he was a founding member of the University of Delaware HenLaw Society, was president of the Delaware Student-Athlete Advisory Council, was a captain of the basketball team and received numerous honors, including the Colonial Athletic Association Commissioners Academic Award and the Dean Ehlers Leadership Award (presented to a male studentathlete who embodies the highest standards of leadership, integrity and sportsmanship).

While he still has two years of law school remaining, Harris said he has designs on returning to Pittsburgh and running for politicaloffice after graduation. Congress, he said, wouldbe a good starting point.

“When I went to school at Gateway, we were in the 14th District, which had about 600,000 people,” he said. “It was Mike Doyle’s district. Think about that: One political position is trying to make the lives of 600,000 people better. That’s a great challenge. But it also presents great rewards. I really want to give back. I want to help. I have a lot of plans, and Pittsburgh is a big partof them.”