From Art to Advocacy

Colleen’s Paralegal Journey with ANU

Colleen Morgan, a dedicated direct support professional and employment specialist, has spent her career empowering adults with disabilities—often sharing her artistic talents by teaching art classes at work. With an associate degree in visual fine arts and a deep love for creativity, Colleen once envisioned a future centered entirely on art and giving back to her community. However, when she began to face burnout in her career path, she knew she needed a change. Colleen decided to combine this desire to help others with another lifelong passion—law—by returning to school at American National University in the Paralegal certificate program. Her commitment, drive, and dedication to her new career path has earned her the distinct award of Term Trailblazer, nominated by her professors.

When Colleen decided to pursue her passion for law, she began by researching a wide range of schools. She needed an online program to fit her full-time work schedule and limited free time. Affordability was also a key factor, and she specifically sought out ABA-approved programs. “I chose ANU because the program works really well with my schedule, and also it was the cheapest out of all of the schools I looked at!” she laughs. “So that was the most appealing. And it was ABA-[approved]!” ANU hit every need she had for her higher education.

Starting the Paralegal program opened new ways of thinking for Colleen that deeply engaged her natural curiosity. “It definitely–I feel like once I started the Paralegal program, especially when I started legal research and writing, it kind of changed the way my brain dissected things, like the way I think. I find that really interesting… I am naturally a very curious person, I like to research and learn things. And I know that’s a lot of what Paralegals do, researching and learning about the different laws.” Reflecting on her Legal Research and Writing course, she shared:

“The way that Wendy taught us to look at the law and break it down and then look at the issue and break it down into facts, and then apply the two, at first it was really, really difficult. I felt like the class broke my brain – but in a good way!” She laughs. “It kind of rewired it, and I think that getting that skill of research and writing can carry on to all facets of your life… it only helps me be a better writer. It’s going to help me wherever I go after [ANU].”

Colleen’s curiosity only deepened as she explored specialized areas of law. “Sheri [Clark] actually recommended me to take [Estate Administration and Elder Law].” She has discovered a strong connection between laws protecting the elderly and those covering people with disabilities, saying, “A lot of the laws that cover the elderly also cover people with disabilities, so I am learning a lot about that… I am getting more information and learning more about the processes and what it looks like, and I find that interesting!”

Colleen also spoke warmly about the professors who have shaped her experience. She admires Dean Wendy Notz’s teaching style: “I liked that she was – she’s a little bit of a stricter grader, but I really appreciate professors that don’t let students take the easy way out. I like them to challenge me… I like to try to work through something and figure it out. And that way, when I do figure it out, I feel a lot better, and I feel more prepared when I do go out in the field. I felt like I learned a lot from Wendy and she’s an amazing professor.” She also appreciated Sheri Clark’s genuine care and connection with her students, as mentioned previously with her Elder Law class. “I can see that she genuinely cares for all of her students. I like that she can remember little things about students. I feel like when I would take Sheri’s classes, it felt more like a little family rather than a class while still learning a lot from her – which is nice!”

Her future goals include becoming certified both as a paralegal and as a notary. Additionally, her biggest goal is to go back to school to earn her bachelor’s degree and then go to law school. “It was always in the back of my mind, if art didn’t work out, I would really like to be a lawyer,” she muses. “Seeing the injustices that happen to people, I want to fight for people, and I think a way to do that is being a lawyer… I want to work with people who are underserved in the community.” Her love of education and learning only boosts her desire to achieve her goals.

Would she recommend ANU for higher education? She answers:

“Yeah, I would recommend ANU to a friend looking to be a paralegal. I think ANU is really great with working with adults who work full time… And I think that’s hard to find – a school that you like that also works with your schedule. And also, it’s very affordable!”

Her advice to new students is to get a physical planner. Writing down assignments, due dates, and readings helps her stay on track. “Also have [at least one] day in your week where you are setting aside time for schoolwork. That day for me was Tuesday because Tuesdays I got out of work early and didn’t have any classes. So after work, I would come home, sit at my desk, and either read, or do my discussion posts, or get assignments done – that was my day to work,” she explains, as these two tips helped her succeed in her classes.

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