Seventh Year.

Today is a date I remember really well.  Its an anniversary of sorts.  Seven years ago today, I started my journey at the firm and my journey in the legal profession as well.  

Looking back to what was going on seven years ago...

I had just lost my first "real" job.  I worked for a non-profit agency that was funded through state funds.  Our funding was given to another entity and we all lost our jobs with only about a month's notice.  

I began scouring the want ads in the local paper.  My skill set was still somewhat limited to typing and answering the phones, but I sent resumes and cover letters in to anything I thought I was qualified for.  

I was living with NayeNaye and Pap at the time and they were keeping their eyes and ears open, too.  One night, Pap showed me an ad in the paper for a legal secretary.  At first, I attempted to shrug it off.  I wasn't qualified.  I didn't know anything about the law or legal work.  But then Pap said, "What have you got to lose, right?"

I applied for the job and promptly forgot about it.  As a matter of fact, I couldn't tell you how long it was between when I applied and when I received a call for an interview.  I can remember showing up for the interview with long, bleached and dead blond hair and a plain black pantsuit.  

After the interview, I wasn't very encouraged because at this point I still didn't think I would ever qualify for the position.  

I got a call the following Friday from the partner I interviewed with offering me the position and asking me to start the following Monday.  I negotiated a start day of Wednesday and the rest is history.  I still remember the look on my aunt's face expectantly waiting for me to wrap up the phone call so I could tell her the good news.  

The following Wednesday, August 17, 2005, I started my legal career (as a redhead).  I began to discover that it really was what I wanted to be doing.  

In January, 2006, I started going back to school for my paralegal degree.

In August of 2007, my job title changed to paralegal.

In December, 2008, I graduated summa cum laude with my degree.  

In May of this year, I became a Certified Kentucky Paralegal.  

I can't wait to see what the future holds.  Law school?!?  :)