Reflections on my Time at Gadsden State Community College

Posted on by Derek I. Schmitz

In May, I graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors in Paralegal studies from Gadsden State Community College. I feel honored to have learned in such a supportive program, and will be eternally grateful to all my instructors and advisors for sharing their knowledge with me over the past 2 years.

Derek, a white nonbinary person dressed in graduation regalia, including cap and gown, an honor chord, and Lambda Epsilon Chi honor society stole holds a diploma cover. A frosted textbox on the bottom of the image houses text that reads: Derek Ivan Schmitz Paralegal, Class of 2025 Gadsden State Community College as well as the Gadsden State initialmark - a stylized G.
Gadsden State Community College Upon recommendation of the faculty and by the authority of the Alabama Community College System Board of Trustees, Derek Ivan Schmitz is conferred the Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal with all the rights, privileges, and honors pertaining thereunto. In testimony whereof, this diploma is duly signed and issued on the Twelfth day of May, 2025 at Gadsden, Alabama. Magna Cum Laude Signed by Jimmy H. Baker Chancellor, Kay Ivey Governor and President of the Board, Kathy Murphy President of the College

Each semester, I served as a member of the Gadsden State Paralegal Association, and in my final year, I was honored to have been selected to serve as President of the Association. As President, I was delighted to lead the Association to First Place in the Candy with the Cardinals booth contest. Our exceptional VP and advisor, as well as my classmates and other association members really stepped up for this event.

Throughout my time, I received numerous honors, for which I am grateful and proud of myself for earning. Honors I received included:

  • Fall 2023 Dean’s List Member
  • Phi Theta Kappa International College Honor Society Inductee
  • Spring 2024 James L. Brown Scholarship Recipient
  • Spring 2024 President’s List Member
  • Summer 2024 Dean’s List Member
  • Fall 2024 Dean’s List Member
  • Lambda Epsilon Chi Paralegal Honor Society Inductee
  • Spring 2025 Student of Distinction

In my final semester, I completed an internship with Disability Rights Maryland’s Developmental Disability and Healthcare team, where I was empowered to blend personal experience and legal knowledge to effectively assist clients.

At DRM, I:

  • Utilized the National Disability Rights Network Elevate platform to complete 3 continuing education courses
  • Served 131 hours over 60 working days
  • Attended 35 meetings
  • Worked 10 cases
  • Reviewed 3 legislative session hearings
Derek, a white nonbinary person with shoulder-length brown hair in a ponytail, wearing a blue button-down shirt, khaki pants, and blue glasses stands behind a lectern. On a large screen to their left, a PowerPoint title slide bearing the words: "My Experience as a Protection & Advocacy Agency Paralegal Intern Derek Schmitz Spring 2025 Paralegal Intern Delivered on April 29, 2025 Gadsden State Community College" displayed. Derek is turned to the audience, delivering the presentation.
I delivered a presentation in front of my classmates and academic advisor regarding my exceptional experience at DRM, which allowed me to complete the academic requirements for my internship, as well as the Paralegal program as a whole.

I can’t wait for what’s next! Stay tuned for my announcement on August 1 about my next steps.

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