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| When I started college, I changed my majors three times before ending on
political science. At the time, my thoughts were that this would be a good
stepping-stone to law school. Law school stayed on my mind the last two years
of school, but I never felt quite sure about that choice. Somehow I just did
not feel settled in that decision. I graduated from college and still had that
unsettled feeling. I did not want to commit to law school half-heartedly so I
chose to get a job to pay the bills for a year or two until I could make a
solid decision about what career I wanted to pursue. |
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| I spoke to my parents one day and they asked if I had thought about being a
paralegal. I did some research on this career and decided to get information
about a post-baccalaureate program on paralegal studies. I read the materials
and the class curriculum and became very excited. Once in the+- program, I knew
that I had found a career that fit. I started working at Sullivan & Grace
as a receptionist while in school. I advanced quickly, starting as receptionist
to legal secretary, and then legal secretary to administrative assistant/court
runner. This gave me valuable experience by working my way through the
administrative positions. I learned how the office works from the bottom up and
that gave me a unique perspective on the different roles my co-workers play.
Luck was on my side, a paralegal position opened, and I have been there ever
since. |
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I worked many long hours for the first couple of years, because I
had so much to learn and there was no time to waste. I delved into learning
family law and enjoyed almost every minute. After dedicating the beginning of
my job to learning family law, I volunteered for the North Carolina State Bar
Association Pro Bono Committee, and became more involved in my profession.
After two years on the committee, I become Chair, which was the starting point
of my involvement in professional organizations and my transition from having a
job to being part of a professional career. Two attorneys in the office taught
me all that they could and encouraged my professional participation in my
career. Without those mentors, I am sure that my paralegal career would not be
as fulfilling. Having family and coworker support makes all the difference. |
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