In May we were fortunate to graduate our first group of students completing coursework at the John F. Kennedy School of Law at NCU. This group of students has navigated more than the average law student over the past year, and we’re proud to be part of their career and life journeys.
NCU offers Bachelor of Legal Studies, Juris Doctorate, and paralegal certificate programs. Programs are 100% online and designed to fit around your schedule, which makes NCU a popular choice with working professionals.
Here are a few of the exceptional leaders and thinkers who completed their legal studies in the past six months.
Andres Garcia, Juris Doctorate, 2021
Andres is an immigrant from Colombia who has overcome adversity to earn his J.D. and plans to become an immigration, criminal defense or civil rights lawyer after he passes the California Bar exam.
"Achieving my J.D. means the world to me. This is not only for myself but for my family, as I could not have achieved this milestone without their love, support, and immense sacrifices that they had to endure to give my brothers and I a shot at a better life. I plan on using this degree to change the world for the better, the way my parents changed my world for the better."
To other students and alums, when the going gets tough keep on pushing; there will be better days, and you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Take your time – run your own race. Never give up and always remember to give back to those less fortunate.”
Alison Kennedy, Juris Doctorate, 2021
Alison decided to go to law school after 20 years in retail management. She completed her JD this spring and hopes to work in the public sector.
“I am proud that I was able to complete law school while working. I love that I was able to set an example for my two kids that if you want something, you can work hard and achieve it. There were definitely nights when I got only a few hours of sleep. There were definitely moments when I thought I couldn't balance law school, work, and my family. But I set a study schedule and with the help of a supportive family made it work. If you are there, don't give up. It does get easier.”
Mary Sherman, Bachelor of Legal Studies, 2020
Mary deferred her college plans to raise a family. When her sons were in high school, a friend suggested she start taking classes again. Class by class, she earned credits toward her associate’s degree, then worked hard to gain more professional training and become a certified paralegal.
Completing her bachelor’s degree was part of her professional growth plan, but she also had deeply personal reasons:
“Achieving my degree means many things to me, but the most important thing is that I set a good example for my sons. They didn’t always like it when I spent many hours in front of the computer on the weekend or when I was away from the house for 15 hours 2 – 3 times per week working full-time and attending classes, but it brings me great happiness to know I taught them something very important about setting and achieving goals.
What inspired me to go back to school was an inherent need to prove to myself, that I could achieve academic goals that I set for myself, and that I am capable of doing anything I set my mind to. I have always admired people who were able to achieve things against all odds, and I wanted to be one of those people. If someone tried to discourage me from achieving my goals, I would kick it in to overdrive and prove them wrong every time. I really enjoy proving negative people wrong!”
Noemi Zieman, Paralegal Certificate, 2020 and Bachelor of Legal Studies, 2021
Noemi is a trademark paralegal, a wife, and a mom. Going back to school while juggling life commitments isn’t easy, but she was determined to earn her degrees.
“Getting my degree was something I wanted and tried to do straight out of high school. However, life had other plans. I remained diligent, always taking a class here or there. I never stopped working on my goals, even while working a 9 to 5 job. I had my son along the way.
“Achieving my degree makes me emotional and happy. It has been a long journey. It has been a bumpy ride. However, I can finally say I DID IT!!”