Paralegal graduate finds career serving others

BLOOMINGTON – Ivy Tech Community College alumna, Rebecca Gardiner, graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies in spring 2017 and is now locally employed as a legal assistant at Carson Boxberger, LLP. Gardiner, who is actively engaged in the community through volunteerism, chose her career because it allows her to help others.

Gardiner enrolled at Ivy Tech right after high school because she could not afford to pay tuition for a four-year university.

“For my personal goals, not going to college was not an option,” said Gardiner. “When considering Ivy Tech, I took into consideration a friend who had just graduated from the Ivy Tech Paralegal program.”

While Gardiner was not yet sure if being a paralegal was for her, she took a leap of faith and enrolled.

“The more indulged I became in the program, the more I realized how much I would love this career path and how it is a field that revolves around helping others in need,” she said. “Not to mention, I am a huge nerd when it comes to government and law.”

Gardiner said that having instructors who were practicing attorneys helped her understand what it meant to be a paralegal and decide to pursue the career.

“Having a one-on-one relationship with teachers was key,” said Gardiner. “Each of my professors, whether in the paralegal program or not, were so helpful in making sure that I succeeded in my classes in every area.”

Gardiner was hired as a legal assistant at Carson Boxberger, LLP before she graduated with her associate degree.

“The hiring process happened so quickly,” she said. “I sent my resume and cover letter to the office, and no later than five minutes afterwards, I get an email asking if I can go in for an interview that day at three! From there, the rest is history.”

As a legal assistant, Gardiner helps with legal research, writing, and communications.

In her spare time, Gardiner is involved in her church’s bus ministry program which allows children to attend weekly church services. This drive to help others is also what she enjoys most about her career.

“I may not be able to have direct interaction with clients as much as the attorneys do, but the fact that I get to be a part of helping these individuals through a rough patch in their life is something that I will never dislike,” she said. “That is what the word attorney means: to act as an advocate. While I play a small part, I am still making a difference.”