Ashley Burks :
Nominated by: Columbus State Community College Program Faculty
CSCC Program Faculty had this to say about Ashley:
“Ashley began her legal studies several years ago with another program, and then life—and COVID –intervened and she has now returned to Columbus State to complete her degree. Even with many demands on her time, including being an employee at Amazon and parenting young children, Ashley consistently shows interest and enthusiasm for her paralegal studies, and produces excellent work!”
More about Ashley:
Ashley is a returning student currently enrolled in the ABA certified paralegal program at Columbus State Community College. In addition to being a full-time student, Ashley works at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in West Jefferson, Ohio, and is a mother to five amazing children. Ashley’s short-term goal is to become an intellectual property or corporate law paralegal at either a law firm or in-house at a company. Ashley is excited for the journey ahead and for this opportunity to be recognized by her peers and colleagues in the Paralegal Association of Central Ohio.
Laura Andrus:
Nominated by: Columbus State Community College Program Faculty
CSCC Program Faculty had this to say about Laura:
"I would like to nominate Laura Andrus. This is my first semester I have had her in a class, but she has been very active in our discussion boards and cares very much about her studies. She has referenced her work and family schedule in class a few times and in an email to me wrote in part: “ I work 40-50 hours a week plus have special needs son which in no way is excuse but I have 4.0 for my entire program grade point average currently”
More about Laura:
Laura Andrus graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology while working full-time in various paralegal positions from Intake Officer at City of Columbus Prosecutor’s Office to several firms practiced immigration and personal injury law. Laura has also continued her education through various programs such as OPOTA, Certified Sourcing Professional (SIG), and Federal Government Contracting and Negotiations (George Washington University). Currently, Laura is a Contract Service Administrator at ABB Inc. working within the energy sector, paper/pulp field and measurement/analytics contracts with Process Automation division. Laura currently has two more semesters until she completes her Paralegal Studies Certificate program and will then sit for the Ohio State Bar Association Certified Paralegal test. Laura would also like to renew her Ohio Notary Public status, which she held for over 10 years and could utilize at her current corporate position. Laura also has currently started working with local pro bono organizations to further her professional and personal growth within the legal community. Laura plans to continue to learn new areas of the law through CLE courses and network with local legal scholars to expand her legal knowledge.
Alex Cardiff :
Nominated by: Columbus State Community College Program Faculty
CSCC Program Faculty had this to say about Alex:
“Alex is one half of CSCC’s first husband & wife duo in the Paralegal Program. Alex is in his final semester and has consistently pursued his studies while juggling roles as a full-time employee in the automotive arena, and, as a dedicated dad. ”
More about Alex:
Alex is currently a Service Manager in the automotive field and a dad to four daughters. He has always enjoyed law and researching since he was young and plans on obtaining his Juris Doctorate, working to educate families who may need legal assistance, but not able to navigate the system on their own. Alex believes that “education and giving back to the community are huge for any change to happen!”
Brittany McClary
The other half of the Husband-Wife Dynamic Duo! :
Nominated by: Columbus State Community College Program Faculty
CSCC Program Faculty had this to say about Brittany:
“Brittany McClary is an excellent student and balances her schoolwork with many other demands on her time, including that of parenting her four young children. In exciting news, Alex and Brittany welcomed a new baby girl to their growing family this fall semester. Amazingly, neither missed a beat with their studies. Heartiest congratulations to this dynamic duo!”
More about Brittany:
Brittany is a married mother of four. While it took some time to figure out what career path best suited her, Brittany initially set out to become a teacher, however, ultimately decided the CSCC Paralegal program was for her. After she earns her degree, she plans to work as a paralegal, immersing herself into the field and sitting front row to see how things work. Brittany knows that working alongside attorneys will give her the opportunity to learn from them before pursuing her goal of becoming an attorney. Brittany plans to work in either family or criminal law, and aspires to possibly serve as a judge or possibly teach. Ultimately, Brittany says, “My only goal is to help people while doing my job.”