Paralegal Party

Back in May I decided I was going to go to paralegal school at a local community college. The program concept was simple: night classes for a year (because I already have a BA) and not terribly expensive. It was a slight impulse decision but it felt right at the time. This past summer has been long: I started a new job at law firm after Memorial Day, my basement flooded, my law firm underwent some serious structural changes where my job wasn't entirely secured yet, I got married, and took on a new job at the law firm. Nothing was stressful (just kidding, it all zapped my energy 24/7).

A few weeks ago I was worried I made the wrong choice. Like I said, it was a stressful summer and I could have used a break. I got married on a Saturday and paralegal classes started on Thursday. There was no time to rest and recoup: we were on the move and headed straight for more work. But I went to class the first day anyway. I knew I had time to drop out if I was completely overwhelmed; however, it did not feel like an option to me. I had committed to this decision and was going to stick to it.

My path to paralegal school after college graduation has been anything but straight: I've worked in retail, mortgage and real estate, financial advising, nannying, and file clerk. The legal side always appealed to me but it wasn't until I was in paralegal class, discussing tenants in common, the three branches of government, and beneficiaries that I realized I was exactly where I needed to be. Paralegal classes bring together all the pieces of my work history. So far, I can tie every class to another time in my life where I was expected to be an expert in a particular field. I have always prided myself on being knowledgeable in my job, even when I did not totally love it.

I know far too much about too many things but for some reason they are all relevant in class. Just last night in my introduction to law and the legal system I noticed how far ahead I am of some of my classmates, just because I am who I am. My professor was lecturing on the branches of government. My classmates were feverishly taking notes on what the branches were and the very short accompanying summary of functions. The girl next to me kept glancing at my paper, wondering when I was going to start taking some notes. I am not even a little sorry that my dad is a government teacher and I have known the three branches of government since first grade. I had no idea what the terms meant then, but I knew them.

My true government geek showed when the professor said it was nerdy it carry around a copy of the Constitution. I had to pretend I too don't do that. You never know when you need it honestly. This is the first and only time it has paid off. I didn't actually say it out loud that I had a copy but in a meeting later this semester I can let it slip that I carry one too. But this silly fact is just further confirmation I'm headed in the right direction.

So, I am where I need to be. It feels nice. I'm not used to this kind of flow but I'm growing more accustomed to it. It was impulse decision in May but one I fully embrace now. Will I be pretty busy working full time and going to school full time and studying over the next year? Yes. But it is only for one year. I can survive.