Graduate Spotlight: Tammy Thiele

Here are a few words from our recent Bachelors of Science in Paralegal graduate, Tammy Thiele:

“My name is Tammy Thiele, I just recently turned 41, I have 2 sons George 23 and Xander 20. I decided to go back to school 5 years ago because I wanted to make more money, however I found that after taking a few paralegal classes, that it was something that I wanted to make a career.  Both of my children had left home and I was looking for something that I could put all of my focus on. I don’t drive so I also needed to make it convenient as well. There were many days of walking through blizzards and rain storms to make it to class. I made school a big priority in my life. I came from a family that everyone has graduated from both high school and college however; I am the only one that has received a bachelor’s degree.  I look forward to where this degree is going to take me.”

Tammy is excited to be working in her field after graduation. She also saw the importance of education and excitement from learning about a new industry.  “I was working for Wells Fargo in the Contract Services Department when I first started school. My initial priority was to obtain a 2 year degree to enable me to work my way up my current position. However once I started going to classes I fell in love with the law. I realized that this was what I wanted to do as a career.”

Tammy also believes NAU gave her what she needed to make a difference.  “I feel like NAU gave me what I needed to start a new career. When I was with Wells Fargo I worked with attorneys but didn’t actually work in a legal department. I think that NAU gave me the confidence that I needed to try different positions in my field.”

She also talks about her journey after graduation.  “There are many directions that I was able to take because of my education and experience. Because of my education I was able to explore my options. I have been in my position for 4 months now and I’m making the same amount of money I was making when I left Wells Fargo however I see the potential of making more money. I have more options of where I can go and the money will come.”