When Ronald Walters volunteered to help veterans prepare their wills, he saw an opportunity to learn. Working alongside his PennWest University professor, he also discovered how much that learning could mean to someone else. 

Walters, a legal studies student from Connellsville, traveled to the American Legion in Clarion for a Wills for Heroes clinic. There, he assisted professor John Eichlin in providing estate planning services for veterans. 

Eichlin had invited a student from his Wills, Trusts and Estates course to join him, offering a chance to put classroom lessons into practice while serving the community. Walters volunteered and made the trip from Fayette County. 

As Eichlin spoke with clients, Walters recorded their information and entered it into a computer to help prepare their wills. The experience gave him a firsthand look at the work he hopes to pursue and the people who can benefit from it. 

“It opened my eyes up to people and how much they appreciate you opening their eyes up to their needs when it comes to a will or the importance of a will,” Walters said. 

For the professor and student, the clinic brought teaching, learning and community service together. Eichlin contributed his professional expertise while helping Walters develop practical skills. Together, they helped veterans address important decisions about their futures. 

“I am so proud of what he did!” Eichlin wrote in an email sharing Walters’ experience. 

For Walters, 41, the day was another step toward a goal that took time to pursue. He enrolled at PennWest in August 2025 with the goal of becoming a lawyer. 

Getting to this point has meant overcoming personal challenges and making room for college alongside work and family responsibilities. A husband and father, Walters works more than 40 hours a week and has sometimes worked as many as 80 while continuing his education. 

He takes his courses online, a format that allows him to balance those commitments. 

“Online was the best way for me to go,” he said. 

Having PennWest’s California campus nearby also mattered. Walters has visited the library and writing center to familiarize himself with resources he can use when he needs help. He has found support in his professors, especially Eichlin. 

“I feel like I could talk to him about anything,” Walters said. 

Walters also participates in PennWest’s legal clinic and is seeking opportunities to build experience. He described Wills for Heroes as one of his most rewarding volunteer experiences and said he would participate again. 

The day offered a practical step toward his future while allowing him to contribute to the community now. He hopes sharing that experience will encourage other adults who are considering college. 

“As long as you have the will to succeed, you could do it,” he said. “Maybe my story could help them with their first step.”