Paralegal Students Continue Their Paths to Success

Mary Wilson's main inspiration is her son. (Photo courtesy of Mary Wilson)

Amy Anderson's students are as varied as their areas of concentration. However, there is one thing they have in common.

"What I so enjoy and respect … is their desire to help others and to make the world a better place," she said.

Overcoming obstacles, including family problems, personal setbacks, physical injury or illness, is a recurring theme, Anderson said. Still, they move forward.

"It has been an honor to watch them learn about themselves, about their unique qualities and abilities, and to see how they applied that to their legal studies and professional lives, both as students and as graduates," she said.

Several students stood out this year.

"They are representative of so many of our paralegal AAS and legal assistant certificate students," she said. "Their keen minds and kind hearts, combined with their excellent work ethic and legal education, will help to balance the scales of justice for their communities, as well as their clients."

Here, two students share insight about their student experience.

MARY WILSON

1. When did you enroll at Thomas Nelson? I began the paralegal program in 2019.

2. From which high school did you graduate? I graduated from Grafton High School in 2014.

3. What is your major? I am currently a law and public policy major with a pre-law focus at Liberty University.

4. Why did you select that major? I have always had a passion for law, and I finally decided to pursue studying my true interest.

5. Why did you choose Thomas Nelson? I chose Thomas Nelson because I was pregnant and working full time and it allowed me the flexibility with online classes to accomplish my goals on my schedule.

6. What inspires you in your pursuit of higher education? My son is my biggest inspiration in pursuing my goals and to become the best I can with my future career.

7. How is your experience at Thomas Nelson helping you as you work toward your goals? Thomas Nelson was a great program for me. I got all the classes I need to get me started on my bachelor's degree and have the knowledge to be a confident student.

8. What are your academic and career goals over the next five years? I plan to graduate in July with my bachelor's, and then sit for my LSAT (Law School Admission Test) exam in August before applying to law school.

9. Would you recommend Thomas Nelson to someone else? Why? I would recommend Thomas Nelson to any person looking for education on their time and flexibility with their schedule. For being in online classes, I learned so much and the professors were so communicative even without being in person.

10. What clubs or activities are you involved with at Thomas Nelson and in your community? I wasn't personally involved in activities at Thomas Nelson. I worked full time as well as taking care of my son.

11. Are there any faculty members you want to mention for their extraordinary contribution(s) to your experiences at Thomas Nelson? Professor Amy Anderson was amazing through my journey. She constantly communicated with me while I was her student and after. She has never hesitated to respond to my questions even after I was a graduate. She is full of positive energy and does all she can to help her students achieve.

BEN TIEFENBACK

1. When did you enroll at Thomas Nelson? I was dual enrolled in 2004 and 2005, then returned for the paralegal program in 2013 and 2014.

2. From which high school did you graduate? I was home-schooled, but I was dual enrolled at (Thomas Nelson) for my last two years of high school.

3. What is your major? Paralegal studies

4. Why did you select that major? I wanted to work in the field of law.

5. Why did you choose Thomas Nelson? (Thomas Nelson) offered the programs I wanted, and I had good experiences there when dual-enrolled, so I was glad to return to pursue my legal education.

6. What inspires you in your pursuit of higher education? The need to get credentials to improve my earning capacity so I can provide for my family.

7. How is your experience at Thomas Nelson helping you as you work toward your goals? My experience at TNCC was very good. The faculty was extremely helpful and encouraging, and I feel like the education I got solidly grounded me as I moved on to law school.

8. What are your academic and career goals over the next five years? I will be receiving a master's degree in tax law from the University of Alabama this year. My academic goals are to move in the direction of teaching within the next five years.

9. Would you recommend Thomas Nelson to someone else? Why? Yes, I had a good experience at TNCC, and I would and have recommended the legal studies program.

10. What clubs or activities are you involved with at Thomas Nelson and in your community? Primarily my church (First Church Ministries in Port Warwick) in the community.

11. What impact does participation in these club/organizations have on you particularly as you continue your college education? My church provides emotional support for me personally and a way to stay connected with people and with my faith. It keeps me centered and aware.

12. Are there any faculty members you want to mention for their extraordinary contribution(s) to your experiences at Thomas Nelson? Professor Amy Anderson has had a significant impact on my academic and career success, and I consider her a personal friend. She is one of the reasons I am a lawyer now, and I'm very pleased she's in charge of the legal studies program.