Paralegal School - The Journey Begins!

This last year has been one answer to prayer after another and the Lord blessing me with making so many dreams come true! It's a long story but it all started a year ago today. I had been praying about moving back to Atlanta and for 2 years had been trying everything I could to get here. I finally gave up and gave that desire back to God only to get an email just a few days later from a friend who worked for a law firm and had an opening that he thought I would be perfect for. I wasn't sure if the job was something I wanted to do but figured an interview wouldn't hurt. So one year ago today I stopped in Atlanta on my way home to Florida for an interview at Strickland Brockington Lewis. I really didn't think I'd get the job since it was going to be 3 more months before I could move and start working. After all in a city like Atlanta receptionists are a dime a dozen! God was at work. They called me 2 days later and made me an offer I couldn't refuse! The next three months were more months of God opening doors and answer prayers in amazing ways!

It's been a dream of mine since about the age of 20 to go to paralegal school. Earlier this year I decided that it was time to put feet on my dreams and go to school. I wasn't sure how I was going to pay for school, but I knew that if God gave me a desire and a dream he wasn't going to leave me high and dry! He's answered so many prayers and provided for me in so many ways that I knew if this was His will He would provide a way to school too!

In February I had my first review with the firm. We had to fill out self evaluations and tell the Partners where we saw ourselves now and where we would like to go in the future. My hand was a little shaky and I was very nervous as I wrote that I was heading to school. During the review the partners brought up my plans for discussion and told me that they were willing to help with my education. That was it and no other mention was made. Application time came around and I told the Partners that I had enrolled in school and when I would be starting. No mention of them helping and I began to get nervous again about how it was going to be paid for. I didn't want to ask for money or help so once again I took it to God and asked Him to work in ways that only He can. A week later our Managing Partner pulled me aside and said, "I can't remember if we ever talked about this, but we would like to pay for your education. Just turn in all your receipts and we'll cut you a check." I couldn't help but grin as I realized again just how much Jesus loves me!!! The Partners have no idea what a blessing and answer to prayers and dreams they have been.

So, last night I started my first paralegal class and launched a new adventure in life. I'm very excited, a little nervous and looking forward to what this next year will bring. The funny part is, that at 26 years old this is the very first time I have ever been to a real school in my life! I almost felt like I needed to pack a lunch with PB & J and fruit snacks in a little cartoon lunchbox just for the full experience. ;)

I'll keep you all posted on how it goes...