What are you doing today?
Since January I've been working part time as an assistant to an attorney. I do all of the routine tasks that the attorney would normally do like filing, typing court documents, calling clients for simple things. It leaves more time for the attorney to focus on client strategy.

I'm transitioning from a career as a grocery checker, so right now I have two jobs. I work 3 days a week at each job with Saturdays off. It's time-consuming, but it's well worth it because I know when I get the experience I can just sail away with my career.

What's it like to be a paralegal?
I love it. I never thought I would like office work, but I do. I get to talk to a lot of clients, and some of the courts and other attorneys. I just love all the interaction.

There are lots of different secretarial duties, too, and I also do some research. Everything I learned in school I am applying, it just depends on what kind of law firm you're at as to what you do specifically. I'm going to turn 50 soon and this is a new career I know I can carry on until I retire.

You tried another school first. What do you like better about Pioneer Pacific?
I was at a different school for 2 years studying court reporting, and I wasn't even halfway through the program and I said, this just isn't for me.

I was so glad I switched to Pioneer Pacific. I found the teachers very helpful. The classes are small, so the teachers can really focus on the students. I felt like I got the hands-on attention that I needed. And it only took 18 months. The program was streamlined for exactly what I needed. And the placement counselors were very helpful transitioning out.

Describe an average day when you were in school.
Busy! I'd go to school from 7am till about 2, then I'd go to my internship from 2 till 5, then I'd go to my grocery job from 6 to 11. Then I'd get up the next morning and do it again! In between times, I had to squeeze in homework or tests or other stuff, like eating! But my children are grown, so it gave me time to devote to me.

What inspired you to change your life?
I've heard that the average person changes careers 8 times in their life. I'd been doing the grocery business for 27 years. So that was a strong motivation. Finding something that I enjoy and making a good living at it.

I realized I wanted to spend more time doing volunteer work and other things. And I realized with a single income, I had to make as much money as I was making before to keep my lifestyle. So I looked in the Sunday paper to see what I could do that would pay the same and allow me to keep my style of life. That's when I decided to go back to school.

What's next for you?
I just got offered a new position with a real estate development company, and I'm really looking forward to it.

What would you say to someone who's thinking about going to school-but hasn't taken the step yet?
Follow your dream. If there is something you've always wanted to do, go do it. That's what inspired me. One day when I was thinking as I was coming home from the grocery store, is this all there is to life? I want to do something else! So I just jumped in and did it.