Paralegal grad recalls her long journey to academic successJuly 13, 2021

“My journey at Midland College actually started in the mid-1990s through dual enrollment while I was in high school,” Angel Sowers recalled.  “There were many detours and roadblocks along the way. I started and stopped continuing my education multiple times as life happened.”

Then, in summer 2019, Sowers decided that she was ready to once again return to school and get that degree she had wanted and tried to obtain since graduating from Midland High School in 1996.

“I enrolled in an oil and gas law course to ‘wet my feet’ and get back into the routine of studying and juggling life and schoolwork,” Sowers explained.  “When I enrolled, I didn’t tell family and friends. I decided that I would just add studying to my plate without taking away from any of my other responsibilities. I quietly studied and finished my summer class, and I knew I could handle it. 

“When it was time to register for the fall semester, I decided to take three more courses.  I told my family, ‘FYI - Mom is going to be in school.’” 

Fortunately for Sowers, her husband and children (son, Derek, 21, and daughter Danielle, 18) were very supportive.  However, family support was not always something Sowers had throughout her life.

In 1996, Sowers graduated from Midland High School, and just one month after her high school graduation, she got married.  

“I had always thought I would go to college right after high school, and looking back on it, I should have opted for college rather than marriage,” Sowers said.  “My husband would not allow me to work or go to school.  We moved to Abilene and then Alamogordo [New Mexico].  In September 2007, we divorced, and I and came back to Midland with my children and disabled mother who lives with me.”

Sowers began to work in the Eligibility department at Midland Memorial Hospital; however, she was laid off in 2009, so she decided to finally pursue higher education.  She enrolled in Midland College.  Then, in 2010, she remarried and obtained a job as a program director for Girl Scouts.  She stopped going to school in order to care for her family, which she said is her number one priority.

She obtained her current job as a supply chain associate at EOG Resources in March 2018, and Sowers said that even though she is on call 24/7, the flexible hours gave her the opportunity to return to Midland College.  

“After the fall 2019 semester, I was making progress toward a long-time goal,” she said. “I could even see the light at the end of the tunnel! I met with my advisor, communicated with my primary instructor and set a game plan for finally finishing my degree.” 

In spring 2020, she decided to take four more classes.

“When I enrolled for the Spring of 2020, I knew it was going to be a challenge. My game plan was to go hard, give it my all and get it done!  

“Like so many others, by the middle of March 2020 when COVID hit, my life was full of uncertainty. My husband, who also worked in the energy industry, was laid off.   All of my classes went to strictly online, including those general education courses that I had been taking in a traditional classroom setting.  While online classes have been a benefit to me being able to finish my degree, some of the courses I was taking were not set up to be online, so there were some learning curves and added bumps in the road. Our office shut down; we were strictly working from home.  I no longer had a work/life balance; everything was so interconnected and lacking clear definition and separation. 

“Anxiety of the unknown was at an all-time high – with school, with work and with life in general. I made the conscious effort to use the time to really get focused and work on me – personal growth was my new 2020 goal, which included finishing this decade-long degree plan. I reviewed my degree plan again and found a way to be able to graduate in December 2020. That meant taking advantage of any non-traditional terms I could. I enrolled in a fifth course for the May 2020 mini semester. I knew I could take courses in the summer and fall and complete my requirements. I had my eye on the prize! There was nothing that was going to derail me at this point. I carried the load – work, school and home-life. While it wasn’t always pretty, it was manageable, and I got it done.”

In December 2020—just 18 months after she took that first oil and gas law course, Sowers completed an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies.

“Midland College allowed me the flexibility I needed to complete a degree that sat unfinished for so many years,” she stated.  “With courses being offered at various times and through various methods, I was able to complete my degree while maintaining full-time employment.

“While I am considerably older than the average community college student, I believe that it is never too late to pursue your dreams,” Sowers said.  “Hard work and perseverance are key to personal success; however, everyone’s success does not look the same. Success is a personal journey, and one has to be willing to put in the work and really grow in order to reach goals.”

Sowers excelled during the time she was at Midland College.  Because of her dedication and recommendations from instructors, she was awarded two scholarship while attending Midland College—the Marian & Jan K. Jones and the Fasken Scholarship. She was inducted into two honor societies—Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta.  In March, the UT System and Texas Association of Community Colleges honored Sowers as a member of the All-Texas Academic Team. She was also recognized on the President’s List, the Dean’s list and graduated with Honors.

Keeping up with her goal of personal growth, Sowers is now studying to take the Texas Real Estate license exam. Another goal she set for herself is to become a better public speaker.  This past May, Sowers was one of the two keynote speakers at Midland College’s graduation ceremony.

“In all honesty, I hesitated applying to speak because of my age; I briefly felt like I am too old to relate to the younger graduates,” she said. “However, I was prompted and encouraged by one of my professors and mentors, Charity Rohlfs. Her recommendation does not come lightly, and I know that, so I had to really take the time to consider her words and suggestion to apply. She informed me that she, as well as another instructor, recommended me. The recognition from those whom I am seeking knowledge encouraged me to take the leap and apply for commencement speaker.

“My professional goals include aligning my career in a manner more matched with my educational background. I have a strong desire to help both people and animals, and I plan to pursue avenues that allow me to do that. I have plans to get involved with CASA [Court Appointed Special Advocates].  There are so many children without a voice, and I would like to help them. 

“I’m a ‘late bloomer’ when it comes to getting started with my education and professional career, but I am carving my own way and seeking my version of happiness and success. Midland College has certainly played a key part in my journey.”