My name is a Kimberly A. Huggins. I began pursuing my accelerated paralegal degree certificate almost four years ago when my personal life took an unexpected turn and I needed to find a new career. As a former stay-at-home mom/wife, I needed to find a new way to support myself and my family.

I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism in 1995 from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont. Following my college graduation, I worked at a newspaper and later in a marketing department, utilizing my writing skills. After the birth of my first child, I became a stay-at-home mom, and worked as a freelance writer/proofreader. As a freelance writer, I worked for various agencies, individuals and organizations. I really enjoyed freelance writing as I have always had a passion for writing and proofreading.

Once my children were older, I went back to work full time as a paraprofessional in an elementary school, since I also enjoy working with children. However, as a single mom of two older children (ages 18 and 21), I knew it was time for me to seek a new career path. I was seeking an employment opportunity that would not only support my family and I financially but would also challenge me intellectually.

My mother is a former Clerk of the District Court in Brown County in Nebraska. Thus, through her former work, I was familiar with the work paralegals do. I always admired the work my mother did with the courts, and I told myself perhaps someday I would like to work in that profession in some capacity. Thus, I chose to pursue a degree as a paralegal at Metropolitan Community College.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my Metro classes through the paralegal program, although some have been quite challenging. If I was to narrow it down to the most challenging courses, I would have to choose either Litigation and/or Bankruptcy Credit & Collection. While both classes were very informative, I do wish the Litigation course could have been divided into two sections rather than just one. This class covered a lot of heavy material for just one quarter. 

I completed my first paralegal internship class during the summer of 2021, working with a solo practice attorney whose firm specializes in estate planning. My internship involved an intense amount of legal research - an aspect of the paralegal role which I really enjoy.

For my second paralegal internship during the fall of 2021, I once again worked as a paralegal intern with the same estate planning attorney. However, for this internship I worked primarily on drafting/editing wills and trusts. Since this internship only allotted me four hours a week, I also had the opportunity to work with another attorney to successfully fulfill the required hours for this class. 

To complete my internship, I worked with a criminal defense attorney in Fremont. Through her firm, I worked primarily on drafting/filing motions, writing letters to clients, and doing legal research for criminal defense cases. Originally, I never thought I would be interested in criminal defense; however, through this internship I did find I enjoyed working in this area of law. 

I do wish I could have taken more classes in person at Metropolitan Community College. When it comes to being in a classroom, it is so much easier to study and receive a better understanding of the material that is being discussed. However, I did understand the reasons for online classes with COVID-19 restrictions.

As of the Winter 2021 Quarter, I have now completed the core class requirements, along with the necessary electives, to complete my paralegal degree. Additionally, throughout the majority of my education, I have been named to the Metropolitan Community College Dean's List. I will graduate with my accelerated paralegal degree certificate in May 2022.

On a final note, I would like to express my gratitude to all of the wonderful instructors and peers I have met throughout my education here at Metropolitan Community College. I am very grateful for all of your guidance and assistance throughout educational venture.