I grew up in Sunnyside, Washington in a migrant agricultural family. I knew after graduation that I wanted to attend a four year college and continue onto law school. My goal was to become a family law attorney.
Growing up Hispanic and working in the fields did not give me much hope in pursuing my goal of college and law school, but I got lucky. Shortly before I graduated, a recruiter from Central Washington University was looking for minorities who were interested in attending college, so I applied and I was accepted. I was able to attend my first year with tuition, room and board, free.
After a year and a half, I found myself homesick, so I took a break. During this time I decided to attend Trend Business College, where I graduated with a Certificate in Professional Office Administration with Legal Specialty, and since then I have worked as a Legal Assistant/Paralegal for many law firms, from Renton to the Lower Valley, to now the Tri-Cities. My work experience ranges from criminal, personal injury, probate, real estate, and my favorite family law. I love the feeling knowing that I helped do something that could change someone’s life.
I am married, and have three children. Someday I would like to return to school and fulfill my goal of becoming a family law attorney, but in the meantime, I am fulfilled in my position as a Paralegal with Pacific Northwest Family Law.