What I Did with My College Degree - After Four Attempts

I graduated in 2003 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Paralegal Studies from Keiser College (now Keiser University) in Tallahassee, FL, after four attempts since high school. The first time I attempted to pursue my degree was after graduating from high school in 1975. At that time the volume of reading was too much for me. I had a problem remembering and understanding what I read. I was asked to drop two courses as a result of this reading comprehension problem, which was never recognized by me or anyone else all those years. If I dropped any course I would lose the minimal amount of financial aid I received, so I withdrew completely in my freshmen year.

My second attempt was in 1994 and the third attempt in 1998. On both of these attempts I withdrew after the first semester due to family obligations. My fourth attempt was in 2001 and I promised myself I was going all the way this time, no matter what. I majored in Paralegal Studies which combined perfectly with my administrative skills. I finally graduated and received my degree.

During my last attempt to pursue my degree, the volume of reading was much easier for me. I was so proud of myself; I graduated with a 3.94 GPA and finally achieved a major goal in my life after twenty-eight years. I learned so much about myself academically and mentally. When you return to school later in life, I feel you have a greater advantage because of your maturity level and the knowledge you have gained through life experiences.

Paralegals or legal assistants work in every type of business as they are needed wherever lawyers are, and some are self-employed. Paralegal tasks vary depending on the organization they are employed with. They are employed with accounting firms and other financial institutions, banks, construction and engineering companies, corporate legal departments, government agencies, insurance companies, law firms, legal clinics, and mortgage and title companies. They specialize in specific areas of law including corporate, criminal, entertainment, environmental, family, litigation, personal injury, real estate and tax law.

It took about three years to find a position in the paralegal field. I have been employed with a state government agency for almost four years as a legal assistant. I am an assistant to three environmental litigation attorneys. There is so much to learn in the paralegal field and I am anxious to learn as much as I can. I am blessed to have a job, but I am in a long-term temporary position (OPS), which is stagnant.

There are unlimited job opportunities in the paralegal field. I am still exploring and striving to find the area of law with an organization that is perfect for me. When I find the right job, I will write an article on the right job I found with my college degree.