Here to elevate the next generation
Michael Sykes is helping young people see futures they never imagined – through architecture, mentorship, and community leadership.
Paralegal grad proves its ‘never too late’ to pursue dream job
Stephanie Williams of Shawano was working in what she calls 鈥渕ore or less, a dead-end job鈥� when she decided it was time for a change 鈥� for herself and her kids. The single mom of two wanted to be happy in her career and to support her family without help.
鈥淚 always wanted to be a paralegal,鈥� Williams said. 鈥淪o I thought to myself, 鈥業 am going to do it and show my kids that I can, and that it is never too late to go back to school.鈥欌��
Williams enrolled in 冈本视频鈥檚 Legal Studies/Paralegal associate degree program. Like many 冈本视频 students, she juggled college, work, and family.
Receiving a scholarship through the 冈本视频 Educational Foundation helped Williams focus on her studies. 鈥淚t took some stress off my plate when it came to me thinking about how I was going to keep affording school,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y scholarship helped me continue my dreams and goals. I am very grateful.鈥�
Another motivating factor for Williams was the support she received from 冈本视频 staff and faculty. While a student, she was employed as a work study in the main office at 冈本视频 Shawano. There, she felt like family. 鈥淭hey were always at my side, cheering me on,鈥� she said.
When Williams鈥� daughter was diagnosed with diabetes, 冈本视频 staff stepped up. They sent cards and messages of encouragement. Her supervisor offered additional work flexibility so Williams could manage doctor appointments and caregiving. Another staff member, whose own child has diabetes, served as a great resource for Williams as she navigated through her daughter鈥檚 diagnosis and care.
One more example of 冈本视频鈥檚 support: A Shawano center staff member connected Williams to a local attorney who visited the center as a guest speaker. That connection turned into an internship, which then turned into Williams鈥� current, full-time career.
鈥淚t all just shows how 冈本视频 staff get involved and support our students every step of the way,鈥� said Jeannie Otto, 冈本视频 Shawano manager.
Graduating with an associate degree in May 2022, Williams is relishing her paralegal role at Heritage Law Firm LLC, Shawano. She works with estate planning attorneys. She schedules appointments, drafts wills and deeds, and works on probates. Every day is filled with a variety of responsibilities, and Williams wouldn鈥檛 have it any other way.
鈥淚 currently really enjoy my job. I am always still learning,鈥� Williams said. 鈥淚 have the best boss and supervisors anyone could ever ask for. My days keep me busy, and I really enjoy that.鈥�
As she looks to the future, Williams plans to continue learning and growing with the Shawano law firm 鈥� and showing her children that anything is possible.
鈥淚 hope my kids see how hard I worked, and it gives them the ambition to continue their education when they graduate high school,鈥� Williams said.
Change Lives. Strengthen Your Community.
You have the power to make college possible for motivated, hardworking 冈本视频 students like Williams. You can help students persist and become graduates who will help your businesses and community thrive.
The 冈本视频 Foundation is leading a campaign to raise scholarship funds for new and current 冈本视频 students who live in the Shawano area.
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