Jesus
Which college path should I take to be a paralegal?
I'm an incoming senior in high school and since 8th grade I have been interested in the law field. I initially wanted to be a lawyer but after further research and understanding myself I came to the conclusion that being a lawyer would not be the strongest fit for me. I knew I still wanted to pursue a career in the legal field, so after further research I found the role of the legal assistant/paralegal.
Since then I did more research on how to become one and schools near me that could help me reach my goal. Now my senior year is here and I have to decide and I need a perspective from others. Here are a few of my plans:
1. I go to community college for 2 years and get an AAS in Legal Assistant/Paralegal (this is an ABA approved program and also has certification preparation capstone for NALA) then hopefully transfer to Texas Tech into their Legal Studies, B.A.A.S. (online). This is my top choice. (The community college also has an area of study in Criminal Justice, AA)
2. I go right to Texas Tech and do their Legal Studies, B.A. (online) or Criminology, B.A. (however i'm not sure if going into criminology is good prep for becoming a paralegal)
3. I go to community college for the AAS in Legal Assistant/Paralegal and then transfer to East Texas A&M to the Paralegal Studies, B.A. (3ii. I go right to East Texas for the Paralegal studies, B.A. or Criminal Justice, B.A.)
Whichever path I do take, I plan to get certified through NALA to be a Certified Paralegal.
I did email an academic advisor from the community college based on (1.) and they said I should do the Liberal Arts Program Study (AA). "This degree plan allows students to complete the Texas required core classes that will transfer to any state public institution like Texas Tech."
If it isn't noted I really do want to do the Texas Tech route for either 1 or 2. I honestly feel like the safest route is to start at community college then transfer but I'm not sure, which is why I would like to get a second opinion. Any help, POV, advice would be appreciated, thank you!
1 answer
Gt Hennessey
Gt’s Answer
I am thrilled to see your question for a couple reasons. First, it's June...and I don't get the vibe you are writing this as a class assignment to appease a high school counselor. Second - you've done some research. Having said that, you need to take my advice with a grain of salt.
I'm not your parent...(that should not shock you). I have worked at colleges for 23 years in financial aid. And while that is not relevant to your question I hope you take it as an olive branch that I'm not some random wacko just giving random advice. You and your family get the vote at the end of the day...but I hope you know I am sincere...
I left college after three semesters because "I didn't know what I wanted to do". (I have two Masters Degrees now but I didn't have advice when I needed it...and it took me forever to get them.)
I need to ask a few thing, and I mean no disrespect - you clearly have done a lot of leg-work...but I just want to be sure...I have a 13 year old who has had ideas of what things involve with certain jobs...and even from my limited, accounting-major experience...I have been able to show her other possibilities. (The choice is hers, at the end of the day.)
You said being a lawyer would not be the strongest fit for you. What are you basing that on? A trial lawyer like you see on tv? Cause there are so many types of lawyers that never are in that position. Contract, estate planning, corporate, tax, etc.
I am in a role at my job where there are two basic levels above me before you get to President of the college. Not only am I acutely aware of what those roles involve - in my years of work I have learned that I would rather do what I am best at. There is a little fear of failure there, but it truly is more about what I don't want to have to deal with.
If you've read this much - please feel free to show to your family. I have never met you. And I think you have a great future ahead of you...I just don't want people to make any mistakes I did. If paralegal is your end-goal...and that will bring you happiness...Godspeed. I would recommend you reach out to people currently in the field. Check with your County reps or District Attorney if you don't know anyone currently working in the field. They will give you much more applicable-advice than I ever could. And if they can't help, ask your HS counselor about it. There are a bunch of us who care about the upcoming generation...I promise you that you will find someone who will at least talk to you. You might even get to do a job-shadow. Keep your options open while you are able to.
Please just remember...and I know it varies here because of requirements of certain fields...legal, medical...what you major in does not define your life. Just do something that I was originally not smart enough to do. When you start college...finish. If you need the whole sob story I will share...but...your life will be so much better if you see it through. There may be challenges but please...you can do it. And yes, even if you change majors or plans. And I hope your family will appreciate that as well.
It wasn't until after I left college that an advisor told me - "you don't go to college to learn a specific job, you go to college to learn how to learn," I know it sounds hippie-dippie, but there is some truth in that. Critical thinking is a wonderful thing.
Find someone in the field and talk to them...just to be sure. They may show you an adjacent path that better suits you. But hats off for all you have done. You've got this!
Thank you for your words of wisdom. Sometimes I still think to myself "what do I want to do" or "I don't know what I want to do with my life". (Also congrats on your 2 masters thats an accomplishment in any way)
Jesus
Initially I wanted to be a lawyer because I would watch law T.V shows and they looked amazing being able to represent their clients. I do know that most of them are satire and partially unrealistic. However, the reason why I don't want to be a lawyer anymore is far beyond that. As I have grown in high school I learned a lot about myself and I am not a good test taker at all. With that being said, to become a lawyer there are many exams that are needed with the most important ones being the LSAT and the Bar Exam.
Jesus
Seeing videos of law students going through that process made me realize I can handle it but it is not worth it to me in the long run. Additionally, law school is already as hard as it is but besides that it is an incredible amount of $$$ needed from undergrad all the way to taking the bar exam. In another life this would still be my dream, but it is not meant for me which is why I still want to be in the legal field just not a lawyer but instead being their right hand and helping them with their clients.
I will definitely reach out to people in this field and position to get a more exact answer and their day to day life. Thank you for your kind words. They really do mean a lot to me. I will continue to do my research, ask questions, and talk to school advisors.
Jesus