Passion. Perseverance. Purpose. Three characteristics that I consider necessary for the study and practice of law. I first experienced passion when my fingers touched the keys of my neighbor's piano for the first time. I was eight years old. From that moment on, music became a passion and a purpose that stayed with me into adulthood. I survived the likes of Bach, Chopin, and Mozart only through perseverance and a strong work ethic instilled in me by my parents. Although my piano fingers, for the most part, have retired, I will use that same level of passion, perseverance, and purpose through my career as a law student and as an attorney.
As a military wife and mother to two young boys, perseverance has been a common theme throughout my life. While my husband endured vigorous cycles of training, certifications, and deployments, I maintained our home, our finances, and most importantly took on the jobs of both mother and father to our young children. Physically, there was no comparison between the roles of my husband and me during this time. I enjoyed amenities that we often take for granted, such as air conditioning, a
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Shortly into the degree program, I found a new passion—law. That passion, combined with an enormous amount of perseverance is what guided me through my undergraduate studies. As a full-time student, a local law firm offered me a job as a paralegal. With little experience, I took on the role of the firm’s only personal injury paralegal and was ready and eager for the challenge. With impressive time management skills, I managed to balance my time as a wife and mother with being a full-time student and paralegal. I graduated in 2015 and became the first person in my family to earn a college degree. Although I am applying to law school at a non-traditional age, the life experience and knowledge I have gained thus far will be extremely beneficial as I pursue my law
The paralegal field is thought to be a high paced glorious career of working alongside an attorney and getting recognition for their work. In reality a paralegal job is nothing like Erin Brockovich (A movie where a paralegal was able to investigate and played an immense part in winning a large case) envisioned from the movie. Becoming a paralegal is appealing because it allows a quick entrance into a professional career field and offers a wide range of daily and career experiences. However, the work-life balance can be poor, the career path often stagnates without continuing education, and the pay is insufficient for the work load. Also, while there are a wide range of paralegal jobs there is also competition and an applicant must possess the ability to step right into the role with little or no training. While expecting much of the work to be comparable to administrative work and document reading.
As I became more involved with campus life, I couldn’t find a way to immerse myself in preparing for a career in law. While I knew why I wanted a law degree, I couldn’t conceptualize what I wanted to do with it. Prior to college life, my familiarity with the legal system was by way of internships with judges and lawyers. Clearly, that traditional route perked my interest but not my passion. Living with the athletes affirmed my interest in their culture. I began to immerse myself in subjects surro...
Deployment is a word that all military spouses and military families dread to hear. When my husband came home to our barely moved in house with news of his deployment to Afghanistan, I was devastated. Though we received terrible news, we also felt incredible joy that same week. I was pregnant with our first child. We were overjoyed by this news but it also meant that my husband would be away the first eight months of our son’s life.
There are several aspects of military life that are unique, and often misunderstood by educators. There are five main demands the military makes of the families of servicemembers, such as frequently moving, being separated from loved ones, deployment, risks such as injury or death, and behavioral norms (Segal, 1986). Permanent changes of station (PCS) make it difficult for families to build community ties, build strong relationships with school personnel, and receive continuous services, especially if children have special needs. Deployment is merely one aspect of military life that is strenuous for the families of active service members. Another hardship that many face is psychological issues. Some
My major is Paralegal Studies and I expect to graduate with an Associates of Arts degree in December of this year. Many years ago, as an investigator for both a private company and a county agency, I was introduced to the legal field. Recently, I was awarded the opportunity to attend college, so I decided I wanted to reenter the legal profession as a paralegal. The paralegal profession appeals to me, because I enjoy the processes of developing a case, as well as its legal aspects. A paralegal is involved in a case from the beginning to the end; from the initial client interview to assisting the attorney during the client’s trial or the settlement process. My goal is to become a paralegal for a solo practitioner or a small firm in my local area who represent clients in different areas of the law.
Not Your Average Assistant “One man can make a difference and every man should try” – John F. Kennedy. I wanted to research becoming a paralegal because I love the idea of getting to help others and to be in a prestige working environment. I wanted to choose a career that allows me to use my skills and knowledge, as well as opportunities for growth. As a paralegal, I will be able to combine what I enjoy doing with what I want to do in the near future. This paper will explore the job description, requirements and salary expectation for a paralegal.
My personal and educational growth in college and subsequent professional experience provided an avenue for a career choice, working in law. I have learned that the law protects on all levels from the multi-million dollar client to the single mom who can barely feed her children. It is through this that I can continue to make a difference in my and others’ lives. Emory Law offers me the opportunity to further my goals through its International Humanitarian Law Clinic, Volunteer Clinic for Veterans, and the multiple of chances to help others through my blossoming legal knowledge while in school. All of these would add pieces of my puzzle and help bring into focus the bigger picture of my puzzle. Through attending Emory Law I will continue to create change through helping and ultimately find where I fit in this greater human puzzle.
*Click* *Clack* *Clack.* The sound of controllers fills my ears. The only expression I could see on every player’s face was determination. The desire to prove themselves burned brightly. I turn to meet the box of color that displayed the game I love to play. I thought to myself, “Did I practice enough? How should I play this out? I absolutely have to win!” As these thoughts raced through my mind, I give my opponent a good luck, and press start. “3, 2, 1, Go!” Suddenly, the fictional characters displayed come to life and all of my concentration switches to this game. Determination takes control over me, and the only word I can think of is “Win.” Gaming is a passion that I have had ever since I was young. The competitiveness of it is what
There’s an event in everyone's life that changes you, whether it be a simple hello or a death in the family. Tragically, mine begins with my mother marrying her second husband. The lessons I learned from this man shaped me into the person I am today. I came from a bad situation and he took my family in and and showed me that not every man is the same. Perseverance, the ability to forgive, and willingness to change your life for the better are just some of the things he taught me. If it weren’t for the little talks we had I wouldn’t be hopeful that I am, that I will turn my life around.
(Transition: ) While the duties of a paralegal are highly important, their exceptional skills are what truly makes them
“It took a lot of discipline, hard work and dedication. At a young age, I was determined to be successful. In the eighth grade, I made history by becoming a member of the inaugural class at the world-renowned STEM Early College at North Carolina A&T State University. Yes this was a great accomplishment, but as I went through high school I learned you don’t gain understanding of the course material by taking notes and paying attention in class alone, but rather studying the course material and being able to apply it in various real-life situations. My sophomore year, I made history once again by becoming the first high school student to acquire an internship with Elon Law School. I knew this would be the perfect opportunity for me to test if I wanted to be in the law profession, and gain some insight on what really goes on in a law office or non-profit. They denied my request at first because I was not qualified to care for clients due to my lack of law knowledge. However, later they were able to develop a personal research internship, which gave be the same type of hands on experience without the need of the knowledge taught in law
My peers often believed that my choices would change and I was just hoping that their state of mind too would alter. My dreams of becoming a lawyer were slowly approaching as I reached the age of 18. High school teachers of mine often attempted to sway me in a different direction since I was not as outspoken as my fellow classmates. However, I would inform them just as I have revealed to others that my dream is everlasting and that my path is clear. I will become a lawyer today, examining the course of my short academic years—spending only 17 years in school beginning with Head Start.
I realized I wanted to attend law school in the fall of my Junior year at the University of Rhode Island. Going into college, I had chosen to major in business. I learned quickly, however, that business was not something I was passionate about. I could not see myself spending the rest of my future in this field, and I quickly realized I needed to find my true passion. Thinking about the current political climate, I wanted to find a way that I could contribute and help. After reflecting on my own life and immigration, I remembered how hard it was on me and how difficult it was for my family. In thinking about how I could help the thousands of families like ours, I finally realized my passion: immigration law.
I am very interested in law career. My career goal is to be a legal analyst, and I decided to start my carwith a paralegal degree. I am going to finish my two years paralegal degree at Rowan College at Burlington County in 2016. I am looking forward learning everything I can about being a paralegal. Later, I am thinking to further my education in law. Like most
As a hurdler for County High, I stumble upon some pretty tough obstacles each time I race; the same is true in life. Everyone encounters obstacles, but in order to overcome them and succeed, one must never give up.