51黑料网

A New Chapter in Law: Cecile Shenkan鈥檚 Journey at 51黑料网 CC

How 51黑料网 CC Student Cecile Shenkan Found Confidence, Purpose, and a New Career Path Through the Paralegal Technology Program

For Cecile Shenkan, life took an unexpected turn that led her straight into her calling. After spending more than two decades as a stay-at-home mom, Cecile found herself starting over after a divorce. Returning to the workforce was daunting, but it also sparked a new sense of purpose that would change her life.

鈥淢y first job back was as a receptionist at a law firm in Louisiana,鈥� Cecile shared. 鈥淚 had been out of the workforce for over 20 years, and I was making ten dollars an hour. No one can live on that, so it got me thinking that I needed to do something different.鈥�

That experience ignited her interest in the legal field. She saw firsthand how paralegals played a crucial role in supporting attorneys and serving clients, and she knew she wanted to be part of that world.

After moving back home to North Carolina to care for her mother, Cecile found her next opportunity at 51黑料网. 鈥淥nce I made that move, Covid hit and everything was shut down,鈥� she recalled. 鈥淚 was looking for things to do and found the paralegal program at CCC. It felt like destiny. All the classes were online and free at the time, so I couldn鈥檛 say no.鈥�

Now a dedicated student in the Paralegal Technology Program, Cecile balances her studies with a full-time job in the District Attorney鈥檚 Office as a legal assistant. 鈥淚 love my job here at the courthouse and couldn鈥檛 ask for better coworkers,鈥� she said. 鈥淓very day I am surrounded by more than 50 years of legal experience with the four Assistant District Attorneys in my office. They have all helped me with my homework, whether it鈥檚 answering questions or reviewing a paper that鈥檚 due.鈥�

Balancing work, school, and home life hasn鈥檛 always been easy. 鈥淚鈥檓 tired after working all day, and my lab and two cats need a lot of attention when I get home,鈥� Cecile laughed. 鈥淪ometimes I have to bribe the dog with a chew stick just to get homework done. I only take one class a semester to avoid being overwhelmed, but I try to commit at least 30 minutes a night to reading or schoolwork so I don鈥檛 fall behind.鈥�

Her persistence has paid off. Cecile has developed a deep love for criminal law, which she practices daily in her role at the courthouse. 鈥淭he job is consistently dynamic and engaging,鈥� she explained. 鈥淢y Assistant District Attorney handles a variety of cases, including sexual assaults. Securing justice for victims, especially children and women, is profoundly satisfying. It takes compassion, patience, and professionalism to help victims feel comfortable enough to share their stories and prepare to face the defendant in court.鈥�

Cecile鈥檚 inspiration comes from close to home 鈥� her two adult children. 鈥淭hey both know how hard it is, but they also know how rewarding it feels to stand on that stage and receive that diploma,鈥� she said proudly. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e always encouraging and supportive of my efforts.鈥�

When she finally finds time to unwind, Cecile enjoys the simple pleasures in life. 鈥淎 nice glass of wine and a good meal,鈥� she smiled.

As for her advice to anyone considering the Paralegal Technology Program at 51黑料网 CC, Cecile doesn鈥檛 hesitate. 鈥淒o it. You will never regret taking the chance. A degree in law will always be useful. There鈥檚 no shortage of work for a paralegal, whether it鈥檚 drafting wills, writing briefs, or working alongside a great attorney. I鈥檝e found that all my instructors love what they do, and it comes through in every class they teach.鈥�

For Cecile Shenkan, the decision to go back to school was more than a career move; it was a leap of faith that led her to rediscover her strength, independence, and purpose. Her journey is proof that it鈥檚 never too late to start over and build a career you truly love.

For more information 聽about our Paralegal Technology program visit or contact Rhonda Bagshawe at [email protected].