Pandemic caused paralegal grad to pursue career dreamMay 19, 2021

The COVID pandemic was somewhat of a blessing in disguise for 22-year-old Jazmin Miranda.  The reduction in her work hours due to business decline prompted her to follow her dreams of pursuing steps toward a career in the legal field.

“When the pandemic first hit, I was on maternity leave having just given birth to my daughter Emmeline,” Miranda explained.  “At the time I was working in the accounting department at Century Graphics.  When I returned to work, my hours were reduced because business was slow.  So, I took advantage of the extra time and started taking paralegal classes at Midland College in July 2020.”

This was Miranda’s second time as a Midland College student.  In 2017, she graduated with an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice.

“I was really young at the time I completed my first degree,” Miranda said.  “When I enrolled for the first time at Midland College, I was only 17.  During my junior year at Lee High School, I became pregnant with my son Emanuel.  So, I transferred to Coleman High School and completed my high school diploma in four months.  Even though I had a newborn, my family encouraged me to continue my education.  I had always made good grades in high school, and my parents were very supportive.  I was the first person in my family to attend college and get a degree.”

Miranda said that the job at Century Graphics was a perfect job; they were flexible with her hours and allowed her to take time off to spend with her children for events and other family-related matters. If it hadn’t been for the pandemic, she said she would probably still be there.  

“I was surfing the web one day last July and came across Midland College’s paralegal program,” she stated.  “It immediately caught my attention because of my longstanding desire to work in the legal field.  I thought, ‘I should take few courses and see if this is really something that I still want to do.’  Once I took my first class, I knew I had finally found my true career pathway.”

Miranda said that Midland College’s online paralegal program worked well for her, especially with two small children.  The flexibility of an online program allowed her to accommodate study time around family responsibilities.  She also continued to work at Century Graphics part-time until November 2020, when her husband encouraged and supported her decision to quit her job at Century Graphics so she could concentrate on classes in order to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies.  

“The first time I attended Midland College 90 percent of my classes were traditional, face-to-face classes,” Miranda explained.  “Then when I went back to school for the paralegal program, all my courses were online.  I found that while online courses allowed more flexibility, they also required me to be more disciplined with my time and study habits.  I had to create a schedule for myself and have good time management skills.  I also found that I had to devote equal time to all classes; I couldn’t spend too much time on one class because that meant that I was neglecting other classes.  My best time for studying was in the evening after my children and husband were asleep.

“Charity Rohlfs [Midland College paralegal department chair] is a wonderful professor and mentor. She pushes us, but also supports and encourages us.  Because she also has young children, she can relate to those of us who are mothers.”

From mid-March to early May, Miranda interned for DeAnda and Sarabia Law Firm in Midland.  

“Before my interview for the internship, I was so nervous that I made myself sick,” Miranda remembered.  “I hadn’t interviewed for a job in a long time—especially one that was so professional. I called Mrs. Rohlfs and told her how I felt and asked her to give me any advice she could. She just talked me through it and really gave me the confidence I needed.  

“Serving as an intern made the whole paralegal field really come to life for me.  I love the whole legal process—filing motions, going to court, doing research and helping attorneys.  I’m so glad that I decided to go back to school, and I would encourage other young mothers to do the same.  It’s important to find time for yourself and pursue your dreams. 

“My best advice for women who are wanting to continue their education is not to be too hard on themselves.  

“Take it week by week.  You’ll get through it.  Believe in yourself.  It will all be worth it in the end.”