From Army service to law school, Tyler Bischoff’s journey has been defined by resilience, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to serving others. For this second-year Baylor Law School student and newly-elected Executive President of the Student Bar Association, every chapter of his life has built on the last, each step preparing him for the next challenge and the opportunity to make a difference.
Bischoff’s life in a military family familiarized him with discipline and duty. Growing up as a “military brat,” his childhood spanned numerous states and bases, but he calls Spokane, Washington, where he lived from 2001 to 2013, home. Growing up, he dreamed of becoming an architect, inspired by his grandfather’s work. However, the pull toward service grew stronger after seeing American soldiers serving overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq after high school. “I felt like God was calling me to serve, and the best place for me personally was in the military,” he recalls.
His initial desire to join the Army after high school was met with a lack of enthusiasm from his mother. After some fierce persuasion and lengthy discussions, the two reached a compromise: If Bischoff earned his bachelor’s degree first, his mother would support his decision to enlist. So Bischoff deferred his enlistment and began his undergraduate career at the University of Washington. He later transferred to Eastern Washington University to maintain a close relationship with his younger sister. Bischoff earned a degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on pre-law.
Once he joined the Army with a contract in the infantry, Bischoff’s commitment to his role was unwavering, leading him to Fort Benning for Airborne School and later to assignments in Alaska, at Fort Cavazos, and overseas. Reflecting on his first mission to Afghanistan, he recalls, “I always felt that what I was doing was important, but when you’re finally doing the job, it’s like, ‘I’m actually putting some skin in the game,’ and it was heavy when it hit me.”
Reflecting on his ten years in the Army, Bischoff notes that he learned countless lessons that now guide him at Baylor Law School. One lesson he holds dear is the power of humor as a tool for resilience. He vividly recalls frigid, exhausting nights in Alaska, where the troops relied on each other’s jokes to endure the challenges. “If one person just starts making jokes and cracking people up, it makes the whole situation seem so much more bearable,” he says. This ability to lighten the load for those around him is something he’s carried into law school, where he aims to lift others up, especially given the demands of a Baylor Law School education. “If I’m the guy who’s cracking jokes and saying dumb stuff, but it’s making people laugh and smile, I am more than happy to do that.”
Another mantra that has shaped Bischoff’s approach to life is “move to the point of friction”—a concept he pulled from a former commanding officer. Embracing obstacles instead of avoiding them is a quality that makes him an effective leader and has sharpened his focus in law. He couples this with his father’s philosophy: “The buck stops with me.” Taking full ownership of successes and failures is integral to his character and future plans. He recognizes that his family and classmates look to him for guidance, and he holds himself accountable for successes and setbacks, a trait he values as a future attorney and leader.
At Baylor Law School, Bischoff has found a like-minded community that aligns with his commitment to service, especially through his involvement with the Baylor Law Veterans Clinic. Established in 2012, the clinic offers pro bono legal assistance to veterans who might not otherwise afford an attorney. For Bischoff, the clinic is more than a volunteer opportunity; it’s a mission. “Being able to use my service and turn it around and serve others helps me stay tied into the military community and remember my passion.” His dedication resonates deeply within the clinic’s grassroots framework, where attorneys volunteer out of a mission-driven focus, a sacrifice Bischoff admires. “The attorneys that come to this clinic [are] 100% volunteer; they’re not paid to be there,” he says, emphasizing the clinic’s spirit of selflessness. “The sacrifice these attorneys make to help out at the clinic is just a great example of what it means to be a lawyer.”
Josh Borderud, the clinic’s director, has become the epitome of service to Bischoff and exemplifies the values he strives to live by. “He’s a bar-certified attorney who could have followed a more traditional path at a firm but felt a strong calling to join Baylor Law School, where he could lead its innovative clinics and make a lasting impact on students’ lives,” Bischoff says, describing Borderud’s passion as “infectious.” Seeing Borderud’s dedication has reaffirmed Bischoff’s dedication to public service, and he hopes to follow a similar path after law school.
Bischoff also advocates strongly for mental health awareness among veterans, acknowledging the invisible wounds many carry. “You take a veteran who is proud of their service, [who] did something that really mattered, and yet they’ve been humbled by this [mental illness],” he explains. “It’s kind of like an unseen illness, whether it be anxiety and depression or something else, it’s tough to talk about.” His experiences in law school have shown him the power of community and the importance of a supportive network for veterans and anyone facing challenges. Amid the demands of law school, the Baylor community provides that support for him—a place where he can be authentic and connect with peers who understand the value of service and hard work.
Veterans Day is special for Bischoff, as it reminds him of his journey and the paths of countless others who serve. He sees it as a moment to honor those who have served in uniform and those who, like his mentors at Baylor Law School, dedicate themselves to helping veterans transition and thrive beyond the military. “We have a calling to lift each other up,” Bischoff says, a conviction that shines through in his efforts to make Baylor Law School a welcoming place for those who share a desire to give back.
Reflecting on his journey from the Army to law school, Bischoff acknowledges the leaders who have shaped him and the lessons they imparted. “These lessons are not profound wisdom that I just drew out of nowhere; I had phenomenal leaders above me,” he says. From missions in Afghanistan to late nights in the Baylor Law School library, Bischoff’s life is marked by a commitment to serve, persevere, and lead by example.
As Bischoff looks toward his future, he is prepared to carry forward his values and experiences into a career that will continue to impact lives, bridging his military and legal service in meaningful ways. Veterans Day offers a powerful reminder of his journey—a journey marked by service to others and a resolve to leave wherever he’s been a little better than he found it.
Original source can be found here.