Meet Angela Knupp – Bryan U Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies Graduate

Meet Bryan University graduate Angela Knupp. Angela graduated from the Bryan University Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies. When Angela was a child, her mother said she would always question everything and joked that Angela could argue her way out of the electric chair. Her mother’s influence was one of the reasons Angela decided to pursue a career in the legal field.

As a young mother, Angela finished high school by getting her GED, and when her youngest turned 20, she felt it was time to realize her dream of getting her degree in the legal field. “I was always interested in the law; sometimes I would go to the courthouse and sit in to watch the outcomes of civil cases”, Angela said. After seeing the outcomes of so many civil cases and so many children in the system, Angela decided that her ultimate goal is to become a guardian ad litem to stand in for children who cannot understand the complexities of the legal system. With that goal in mind, Angela researched schools looking for a paralegal program and found Bryan University. Angela works full-time and helps to care for her grandson, so an online program with flexibility was essential for her.

“When I called the number for Bryan University, I spoke with Jessica and she walked me through everything”, said Angela. “From enrolling for my program to helping me get and set up a new computer. She was on point with everything.” Angela felt the treatment she received from BU admissions and financial aid staff was terrific. Everyone she has encountered has been so helpful and transparent. Angela was so appreciative of the kindness of BU staff; she notes that it was one of the reasons she decided to return to BU to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies.

One of the things Angela liked the most about her program was the design of her classes. As a busy working mom and grandmother, she loved that she could see what her instructors expected of her week by week. “I like that I knew I could work ahead if needed. If I knew one day, I didn’t have much to do, but in three days, I would have a lot going on; I liked that I could get ahead of my work to stay on target”, Angela said. Admittedly, it had been a while since Angela had been in school, and when she had been in school, it was with a teacher at the front of the room; online wasn’t an option. Angela has taken advantage of the many supports offered at BU, including the academic consultants saying, “I utilize my academic consultants a lot since I can’t  just raise my hands to ask a question all the time.” She also appreciates that she has had the same academic consultant since she began the program and that familiarity and continuity have helped.

Angela loves the convenience the online program offers her. She says, “I love that I don’t have to get in the car and drive to a school, and I like the focus I can achieve at home.” And while Angela admits that online school took a little bit of getting used to, she started to enjoy the process once she established a pattern and a schedule.

Finally with Angela’s interest in the law, she found the program’s integration with real-life cases fascinating. Even though sometimes the instances didn’t seem real when she started investigating, she realized that though the names were changed – they were confirmed cases. That, combined with her studies, has made Angela feel confident to begin a career as a paralegal.

Bryan University exceeded Angela’s expectations, “Everyone has been fabulous, and the ease of classes made this a great experience. The sense of accomplishment I feel from completing my degree is awesome.”

Her advice to someone interested in attending BU is, “Be prepared, and realize some days you aren’t going to be able to get it all done, but that’s ok, and it is worth it!”

Learn more about Bryan’s Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies and Litigation Technologies program today!