I Pursue A Career As A Paralegal Working In Family And Defense Criminal Law

In 2015 I made the difficult decision to leave my career as a paralegal working in family and defense criminal law and return to school. My profession as a paralegal was rewarding for years, however I desired to leave a larger influence on my family, my clients, my community, and in the world. The various hats I have worn throughout my life inspired the decision to return to school. As I explored my options, the field of social work checked all the boxes that I knew would assist me in my overarching goals to produce a positive impact.
A myriad of experiences within my personal and professional development supplement my desire to create positive change. Individual struggles as a divorced, single mother with three children for almost ten years
empowered me to give back to those who scuffle with day-to-day responsibilities while simultaneously attempting to create a happy and healthy environment for them and their children. Working as a paralegal exposed me to cruel and unproductive remedies in the courts, as well as the overall societal ignorance of mental health for those caught in the legal system. Seeing complex issues first-hand gave me clarity to the monumental need for continued social justice.
At the core of my life experiences lies my aspiration to serve the community through social justice.
By promoting education on issues such as mental illness, implication of self-medicating, and identifying high-risk individuals for incarceration, I can directly empower and advocate members of my community. These are values that I intend to cultivate throughout my professional development and are directly supported by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Likewise, the academic base I received as a student at the University of Wyoming strengthens my commitment to my clients’ empowerment and
self-determination.
In addition to the amazing clients I have had the opportunity to work with as a paralegal, I’m privileged to have been invited and start working with Wyoming Equality to pass a non-discrimination policy for the City of Cheyenne. Furthermore, I lend my efforts in helping girls empower themselves with a positive self-image, by volunteering with the non-profit organization of Girls on the Run. Moreover, I have dedicated time to a local junior high in my district by chaperoning Student Senate events. All these opportunities have humbled me and strengthened my dedication to serve others and give back to society. My confidence and perseverance in continuing my education through the Master of Social Work program at Boise State University will greatly strengthen and cultivate my skills and abilities in my practice as a social worker.
My friends, family, and co-workers say I am reliable, honest, and have integrity with strong social skills.
Communicating well with others is something I strive for, by stopping and taking the time to listen to what someone is going through and keeping an open mind to analyze different possibilities of most scenarios. While most situations do not have a quick fix, I can problem solve with patience and flexibility. Being strong-willed is an attribute that inspires me to work and make this world better than I found it. Enthusiasm, intelligence, and determination are all qualities I possess that will serve this profession well, and more importantly my clients and community. Courage, united with empathy is necessary to deal with tough issues and challenging situations that confront individuals and society. My life experiences, as well as working with individuals in less than desirable circumstances, have given me a realistic perspective to be able to know my boundaries and
limits.
My previous employment and volunteer experience, coupled with my studies of psychology and social work classes at the University of Wyoming, have awarded me a rich outlook on human nature and the society that shapes us. The paradigms that make each culture different from one another add value to humanity, separating us from the rest of the animal kingdom. People have accomplished so much in the time we have occupied Earth, some positive strides and some devastating occurrences. As like Mother Earth, we are constantly evolving which means we must learn from our past and advocate for a better future.