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Legal Experience: I have approximately 10 years of experience working in the legal field as a paralegal. I have a master's degree in paralegal studies from GWU and an undergraduate degree from UMD. I teach paralegal classes with NoVa and GWU.

Hobbies: Soccer; Reading; Traveling. I am not a soccer player, but a soccer mom. A very passionate spectator. I love to read in my down time. I also love to travel with my family and friends.

Visual Metaphor: This builds off my love to read! A moody reading vibe is all me! I appreciate the simple things and the escape a good book provides.

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Legal Background: I spent 20 years working for an insurance company in their litigation departments. I thoroughly enjoyed my time, but I am currently creating “Jacquie 2.0” and figuring out what I want to do next.  I know it will be in the legal field, but not sure where or what that will be.

Hobbies: Music, Reading, and Traveling. I love listening to all kinds of music. Live music is the best!  My favorite thing to do when I have any amount of “me” time, is to sit with a book and just read. I am always on the hunt for new authors or amazing books, so if you have any recommendations, please share! With four kids, traveling can be a hassle.  But once we get where we are going, I love exploring, relaxing, and having fun with my family.

Visual Metaphor:One of my favorite places to visit is Smith Mountain Lake. My family loves to go boating around the lake and the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are breathtaking. I am absolutely terrified of thunderstorms- it’s actually quite ridiculous how scared I get. However, getting lost in a book in one of my most favorite places, even when the storm's a brewin', would be paradise for me.

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Legal Background: This is my second semester of school, so unfortunately I don't have much legal experience. In high school, we did a career assignment and I did interview and eventually shadow a paralegal but experience is definitely something I have to work towards.

Hobbies: Photography, baking, and coloring. I grew up finding myself taking photos of nature more often than not and found a love for it. Baking has always been a favorite of mine because I've never been a creative person and baking lets me bring out some creativity. Of course there's also the fact that I can eat the delicious treats! I love to color because it eases my mind and relaxes me every time.

Visual Metaphor: Not only do I love the beach when nobody is around, but I always get good vibes from the beach. Through the sunset, the waves, the sunrise, I see so much potential. When I look at the waves, I see them going up and down and I relate that to life. When I look at the sunset, I envision it as a closing curtain, ending the day on a good note. The beach is a relaxing, refreshing, quiet place to escape reality, looking and thinking at life a little differently.

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Legal Experience: I have been working for an estate attorney since last September. Although I am rather green in the legal field, I have learned so much in a short amount of time. After I graduate, I plan on staying with my current firm.

Hobbies: Reading, traveling, exercise. I have been an avid reader my entire life. I usually try to keep a paperback in my purse at all times if I'm waiting in a long line or traveling. I will be visiting 3 countries over the summer for my birthday. I usually enjoy a good early morning run or yoga session to start my day.

Visual Metaphor: I took this photo after a recent visit to a fabulous used bookstore I went to over the long weekend. Being an avid reader also means being a collector to me. Now I just need a bigger bookshelf.

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Legal Background: It wasn't until two years ago that I decided I wanted to join the paralegal program and pursue this career after graduating, so I don't have any work experience in this field. However, recently my parents got divorced and my mom was pro se, so I was able to see some of the documents she would submit and the processes she had to go through. It was an interesting experience because although it was a bit difficult being that it was my family, I was also able to learn from that experience and it resonated with the material I learned in family law. I hope to continue gaining experience both academically and naturally.

Hobbies: Music, Movies, & Cooking. I love listening to music, it is something that you can always listen to no matter what mood you're in. I look forward to my mornings when I get to walk my dog and listen to my music, I feel it's the best way to start my day off. Growing up, movie nights were something I always looked forward to on the weekends and I still do. My mom loves to cook, and I've found a love for it too because of her. She's recently started her own business of making empanadas and they're delicious!

Visual Metaphor: The picture I choose to share is of my cat, Keke. I took this picture recently and I thought it was so cute because he's so photogenic. I also have a dog named Buddy and I love them both so much. Having pets is so special and I love spending time with them.

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Yasmeen H. (Jazzy)

Legal Background:

I have spent the last 10 years in the health field as a medical biller. Currently I am looking for a career change and being in the legal field was always my plan A, but it was pushed back to plan B. Which means currently I do not have any legal experience but will in the near future.

Hobbies:

Basketball, video games, shopping, going out to try new food(foodie), traveling, working out, listening to music and just hanging with my kids. I am very adventurous, so on my spare time I love doing random things with my family. Things like trying different cultural foods, finding new restaurants to eat at, finding little events to bring my family to and so on. I currently have 2 kids and one on the way.

Visual Metaphor:

This picture I selected because of how important my family is to me. Without them, their love and support I would not be who I am today, they teach me so many new things that becomes so useful in my daily everyday life that it's not even funny and I love it.

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Legal Background: I don't have any legal work experience, but I have had hands on experience with legal research. In addition, I had visited court and the law library with Professor McMillan which I am very grateful for. I have had direct experience with lawyers, but I have never worked for a firm. I would love to soon though!

Hobbies: My three hobbies are playing video games, traveling, and a recent one I've enjoyed the most is motorcycle riding. Over the break I was able to acquire my motorcycle license. I did not realize just how much I would absolutely love riding, or the passion I have now. Although, while learning I've fallen a couple times, it has not discouraged me at all for getting back on and continuing to ride (Even in this cold weather). I am a little competitive, and definitely think that is my biggest motivator to play video games! I enjoy playing first person shooter games on both console and PC.

Visual Metaphor: I chose this photo because motorcycle riding has become my biggest passion now, I was very disappointed when I figured I couldn't ride during these snow days. However, I know riding will take up most of my time as it's what I most enjoy now!

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Legal Background: Sadly, I have no legal experience. However, my mother and aunt are both paralegals! As I grew up seeing my mother work, I've grown interested in the legal field. After taking Family Law first semester I would find myself connecting what I learned in class, with shows that dealt with family law issues like The Maid on Netflix. Once I start internships in the summer, I will begin building up my legal background.

Hobbies: Drawing(sometimes), road trips, trying new food, and going out with friends. I used to draw a lot, but now I find myself going out and experiencing the world. Usually, my friends and I drive out to find new restaurants or cafes. If we aren't eating, we are shopping at a local thrift store. My friends are foodies just like me, so they are always down for a new location to try out. If I'm not out with my friends, I'm with my boyfriend on road trips. So far, we have gone to Pittsburg, Philadelphia, and Maryland. Each time we visit a new area we always try to visit the local Dave and Busters and win a prize at each location. We are trying to save up to go to Disney, perhaps in the summer!

Visual Metaphor: I picked this picture because I love cats. These two are my cats, named Max and Chloe. I love them so much; they are my babies. I also love dogs. Whenever I come over to my friends or boyfriend's house, they always have a dog greeting me at the door. However, I must say I do like cats more. I used to have a dog named Milo; he was a white crusty-eyed Maltese. Sadly, he passed away last year :(. If I do have another dog in the future, I would certainly get the same breed Milo was because they are such lovable dogs.

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Legal Background: I do not have any experience working in the legal field but I do have a little bit of personal experience with the legal system within the US and Bulgaria. I grew up in orphanages and foster care and because of that my first time at court was at the age of 10. My childhood experiences with the legal system is what peaked my interest in the legal field.

Hobbies: Some of my hobbies are embroidery, playing the drums, and hiking. I love traveling and nature and although I’ve been to only 9 US national parks, I can’t wait until I’m able to explore more! I also love learning about other cultures especially through food. I really enjoy cooking especially when I’m making something I want to eat.

Visual Metaphor: My visual metaphor is a picture of embroidery patterns from traditional folk Bulgarian clothes. This picture represents both my love for embroidery as well as my love for my native culture. Being Bulgarian is a huge part of my identity and living in the United States has allowed me to embrace it even more, because there aren’t a lot of Bulgarians in the US with which I can celebrate my culture with.

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Legal Background: Unfortunately I do not have any legal back ground, I have visited the court house for an assignment for professor Boyd. I would love to soon work at a firm.

Hobbies: Listening to music, Reading, video games, I love to listen to all kinds of music and the best thing is I can listen to music in Spanish and in English which is the best. lately i found myself reading again, I used to read before and with life so busy I did not do it as much but I am so happy I am doing it again, currently I am reading Hook, Line and Sinker by Tessa Bailey D. great book. Video games well my brother got me into COD and that is what I do to if I am up late at night.

Visual Metaphor: My visual metaphor represents me so well because I am a mom of two beautiful girls, I also work a part-time and i am enrolled in school this semester ill be taking four classes and on top of that I like to help out at my daughter school when ever they have a field trip or any special activity. I also have two fur babies and have to keep the house clean. It is a lot but I do like to keep myself occupied.

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Legal Background: So far this is my second semester. I haven't had any Legal experience so far. I would say Legal Research was an experience, in this class I got to do hands on legal research with books. However, I plan to find a law firm hopefully this summer to get experience.

Hobbies: Baking cookies, reading, and watching documentary series. I love baking with my siblings, my little sister is four and my brother is eight. I was never a fan of romance books, however, last year I got into reading these. Colleen Hoover was really popular, so I gave it a try and fell in love.

Visual Metaphor: I enjoy watching sunsets, and sunrises! Especially at the beach. It always fascinates me how the sky can be so marvelous. Looking at the sunset makes me feel happy. I took this picture at the beach last summer, it was very beautiful- I can't wait for summer!

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Legal Experience:

I received my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice at VCU. I also have about a year of experience working as a legal assistant/paralegal at a local law firm. I’m looking to expand my knowledge in the field of paralegal work and decided to continue with an associate in paralegal studies.

Hobbies:

Collecting records for my vinyl record player, Painting, and Trying new foods. Recently I purchased a record player and have made it a personal goal to get my favorite albums on vinyl. It has cost me a lot monetary-wise but is worth being able to listen to my favorite songs on a new mode. I grew up painting as a hobby and love to use it as a stress reliever. I’ve always been a picky eater so one of my resolutions for this new year was to try new foods! So far it has been very successful and I’m hoping to branch my pallet out more

Visual Metaphor:

I included a picture of a recent food I’ve tried, called Omurice. I use this as a visual representation as it ties into my hobby of trying new foods and also my willingness to go beyond the norm of my usual life. I’ve been making it a goal to do new things and make the most out of my life while I can. It’s easy to be complacent in life, but trying new things can be as easy as ordering something on a menu you’ve never tried before!

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Legal Background:

I currently work as a paralegal for a small family law firm and I enjoy the fast-paced law office environments. While I've never had the desire to be an attorney, I enjoy being behind the scenes to assist attorneys in preparing for trial. I will (hopefully) graduate with my AAS in Paralegal Studies in Spring 2024.

Hobbies:

Spending time with my husband and with my 3 adult children when visit; watching a good thriller or drama movie; and cooking. I am also hoping that once I complete this semester, I will have more time to read Stephen King books.

Visual Metaphor:

I chose the photo of a long seemingly endless road to signify the journey in my life. I enjoy my job and the firm where I work and I LOVE working for attorneys. I do, however, ponder other opportunities that having an associates degree could open for me. Therefore, I feel that I still have quite a journey ahead of me before I reach a place of contentment regarding my professional endeavors.

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Legal Background: I don't have any legal work experience. I have an undergraduate degree in government which gave a lot of context to law subjects. Also, I am in my second semester out of three in the paralegal program. So, I do have some experience like visiting a court and doing legal research in a law library.

Hobbies: I like History, Politics and Video games. I have always been interested in history and love it from all different eras. Specifically, I have been interested in the age of revolutions like the French, American, and Russian revolutions. Politics has interested me as well and I always keep up with current events. I also enjoy video games like strategy games or horror games.

Visual Metaphor: This is a picture from a beach trip I took with my friends. I enjoy going out with them and traveling to new places. I chose this because I work full time and do school full time as well. I do all this work so that I can have the time and the money to be able to go on these trips. These are the kinds of trips I really enjoy and it is my motivation for doing all the work that I do.

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Legal Experience: I have always known that I wanted to work in the legal field, since I was younger. However, I do not have any legal experience apart from this paralegal program. Upon completing this program, I plan to work as a paralegal to gain experience before going to law school.

Hobbies: Reading, Traveling, Knitting, Watch Anime, Playing with my kitten, Simba, trying different restaurants, and cooking. I enjoy finishing my day with a good book or a movie and delicious food.

Visual Metaphor: I chose this photo because I love being at peace and feeling relaxed. This picture represents my love for traveling and love for food.