$$Louisville Campus graduate Patti Sisco Hess has built a career that she’s passionate about, working as a paralegal for some of the top attorneys in the Louisville & Knoxville areas. “I’ve got lots of experience in lots of different areas of law,” said Patti, whose duties as a paralegal include interviewing witnesses, new client consultations, preparing files, and being at the attorney’s side during a trial.
Although she’s found career success today, she wasn’t sure which direction she wanted her career to take when she first came to American National University in 2002. “I woke up one morning and [told my best friend] ‘I’m going to enroll in college today,’” recalled Patti, who was tired of the low pay, erratic hours, and unfashionable uniform that she wore working at McDonald’s.
[img]After reviewing the many program options available, she enrolled in the legal secretarial program. As a survivor of domestic abuse, she wanted to learn more about the justice system in order to help other victims. After completing that program, she earned a second associate’s degree at National with a double major in business administration-management and accounting.
As a young mother, Patti juggled responsibilities at home, work, and school, but she found that her instructors at National supported her every step of the way. She also learned valuable lessons in accountability, recalling that one instructor made her take a test even though her son was in the hospital. “He taught me that just because I have things going on in my life does not mean that the rest of the world stops,” she said.
Patti began her career working as a secretary in a legal office, where she continued to broaden her knowledge and responsibilities, eventually moving into a position as a paralegal. “I’m the type of person that once I get everything under control and I’m comfortable with what I’m doing, I say, ‘Give me more. I want to know more,’” she explained. “I ended up climbing my way up.”
With her unquenchable thirst for knowledge, it’s no surprise that Patti, who later transferred and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from another institution, plans to continue to advance in her education and her career. “I want to go to law school. That is absolutely my dream and my passion,” she stated. “American National University helped me see that if I put my mind to it, I can do it.”
A- After graduating from the $$Louisville Campus, Patti Sisco Hess has advanced in her career to work as a paralegal for some of the top attorneys in the Louisville and Knoxville areas.
B- Patti is pictured with business department chair Theosious Fuqua, an instructor who supported her throughout her programs at National and who she has remained in contact with for over 10 years.
