Graduating from Middlesex Community College’s paralegal studies program in the summer of 2024, 49-year-old Emma Ding plans to start the LLM program at Boston University’s School of Law this fall. From China and now living in Weston, Ding credits Middlesex for helping her have the time and confidence to apply to law school.
“It’s unexpected for me to fulfill my law school goals so early,” Ding said. “I’ve discovered that what I should do is put forth effort in tasks, even when I lack confidence or clear directions for the future. This process not only guides me to the next step, but also boosts my confidence and courage to keep going.”
Ding started at MCC in January 2023 with plans to take English Language Learner (ELL) classes at the college. Realizing her English language skills were strong, an employee taking Ding on a tour of the college encouraged her to enroll in college-level classes. Though she was undecided with what to study, academic advisor Nick Cloutier helped her narrow down her career path.
“It’s meaningful in life to tackle challenges, even small ones. Regardless of the outcome, the journey through these challenges is intrinsically valuable to me.” - Emma Ding, MCC Alumna
Cloutier talked to Ding about her background working in law in China. This led her to MCC’s paralegal studies program where she benefitted from guidance from professors such as Halye Sugarman and internship instructor Patricia Lemire. She struggled in the beginning, believing she took longer than classmates to complete assignments and felt nervous sharing her thoughts in class. MCC employees motivated her to keep going.
“I began to find my footing when I enrolled in law courses,” Ding said. “Throughout my educational journey, the encouragement and the assistance I received was crucial. Without it, I might not have taken the steps forward, as I often doubted my readiness.”
At her internship with the Lowell Court Service Center, Ding learned how to process requests and help staff. With assistance from faculty at MCC, she started feeling more comfortable completing tasks. Her goal was to improve on her weaknesses and gain understanding of court operations and law related to everyday life. Her accomplishments were praised by a supervisor as she learned to handle many cases independently.
“The internship has been the most fulfilling experience since moving to the states,” she said. “It not only allows me to provide valuable legal assistance, but also deepens my connection within the community – a connection I had not felt before.”
Ding’s confidence continued to grow as she took more classes for her major. Taking Introduction to Law and Legal Research and Writing with Professor Sugarman, Ding developed her knowledge and skills through comments on her assignments. Sugarman’s guidance made her feel as though she was prepared for the demands of a law school program rather than a typical four-year degree.
Cloutier helped Ding build her schedule to finish her associate degree in a year and a half. This included taking classes over the summer and winter break. With help from academic advising, she knew which classes to choose and how to best arrange her schedule.
The one-on-one attention and support Ding received made a difference in her time at MCC. Though she struggled at times in her coursework and confidence, employees made sure to keep her on track to reach her goals and inspired her to apply to law school.
“It’s meaningful in life to tackle challenges, even small ones,” she said. “Regardless of the outcome, the journey through these challenges is intrinsically valuable to me.”