With a Social Media environment around us, one could say that it is difficult to find any kind of news happening within my area, however how one reports the news is certainly changing. When I look on the Internet, I find more opinion than reporting. We use channels such as Facebook and Instagram to make our point. We use Twitter to showcase our headline and direct our readers to our story. Then, we use blogs for just about everything nowadays.

Food – this is what I see blogs used more and more frequently for. It seems that everyone wants to make a Food blog and either talk about recipes or their favorite places to eat. Even if these bloggers are not talking about Hollywood gossip, they too become celebrities just because they are talking about food. They become respected in the area for which they blog about restaurants and are welcomed in hoping that the restaurant receives a good review; or if they are budding chefs and post some great recipes, they too can become celebrities in the food world.

What the future of journalism holds depends on those who still want to be journalists. Mass Communication students, researchers and more should take careful note. Although the delivery method is evolving, I believe that the grass roots idea of being a journalist will always remain the same. As the video The Future of Journalism states, we are in a digital age. Whether the delivery is local news, nationwide news, or even as small as a one city area news, what we rely on such as newspapers and television is evolving into something new, different, and in many ways, exciting. It presents opportunities out there for those who want to become journalists and had very few outlets to practice their specialty in. With the evolution of news delivery, more jobs in journalism can now open presenting new ways to present the news in an ethical manner, but also a fun one.

However, one can debate today “what is best in the industry of journalism – to be first or to be correct?” In the industry of journalism, it’s readers that make you powerful. The larger your audience, the larger your revenue through advertising because you can guarantee that an ad will be viewed more with you than anywhere else.

Consumers are honestly a funny bunch. I believe that they can be split 50/50 in the question of being first or right. Honest journalism is a practice that should be expected always. However consumers also enjoy controversy and they eat it up when someone is backed against the wall. Now with the social media revolution, consumers can also be journalists and publicly give their two cents about this or any story out there.

How this brings a major shift to digital news reporting is that it creates more outlets to actually share the news with the masses. I believe and hope that this also brought about more responsibility in the way we present the news. And that there is more comprehension about the fact that reporting the story first is not always in the best interest, but rather in how accurate the story we present is far more worth its weight in gold.

One individual decided to remove those challenges and open his doors to everyone and anyone, thus why we have chosen him, Charles Falk at Innovative Martial Arts Academy in Wake Forest, to be the FIRST Community Hero for The City Insight.

Charles has trained for over forty (40) years in martial arts. Not only has he found his calling in learning martial arts, but also found a passion in teaching others to benefit from this. He opened his first school in Albuquerque, New Mexico while still active duty in the Air Force. After retiring from his twenty (20) year service, he brought his teaching skills to Wake Forest, where his experience has also encompassed training police officers and members of the Special Forces community.

It wasn’t long till the first special needs student entered his facility, and it wouldn’t not be his first and only. Special needs students were welcomed with opened arms. Every student is unique, both in the way they learn and process information; he proudly shares his knowledge and devotion so that everyone in the class can benefit from this.

Sensei Charles knows that sometimes it may take more patience and time to help others, but he has all the time in the world for each student.

An article from SpecialNeeds.com states that through Karate, consistency and repetition create familiarity for those with special needs therefore, children on the Spectrum do well in karate classes. A unique module of martial arts for children with special needs is the contest inside themselves. As children with special needs require extra work on life skills, karate meets a criterion that is prudently considered and achievable. Attaining those life skills are why you should consider martial arts, and if that is what you find, then those students have already become winners.

Beginning with the Lil’ Ninjas program for ages three (3) to five (5), Sensei Charles designed a program to introduce all children to the foundations of movement and coordination, listening and following directions. The Young Dragons program for ages five (5) to seven (7) provides high-energy training for students of all abilities. The Kenpo program for ages eight (8) to twelve (12) focuses on speed and efficiency, and accuracy in striking and self-defense techniques. Charles makes sure that every class is held under close supervision of professional instructors.

Adults also benefits from Sensei Charles’ training programs. The Kali program help those defend against sticks, edged weapons, and open-hand attacks. The Aikido program teaches his students to use leverage and strength to gain control over an opponent, through throws, joint locks, and the effects of momentum.

Charles believes in the value of “family first” and by emphasizing that every person, especially those with special needs should always feel welcomed from day one and challenged with exciting classes that are always changing to keep them on their toes. He continues by saying that a special individual’s path through life is especially difficult by the daily challenges thrown at them to cope with their surroundings and unnerving distractions. At his dojo, he enforces that an individual’s mental, physical, and emotional tools will receive unwavering support with the comprehensive coaching that Sensei Charles and his instructors provide.

Charles believes that all individuals with special needs can find within themselves a new sense of confidence and willingness to try new things. He also believes that they can learn to interact better with their peers within the world around them through martial arts.

He loves his students and is so proud of the people they have become. Charles could go on and on with example after example of his special needs students’ triumphs, but in the end, all that matters for him is that he and his instructors at Innovative Martial Arts Academy can make a positive difference in their lives.

For more information on Innovative Martial Arts Academy, please visit their website at www.triangledojo.com

I have been blessed to have been given the most amazing child so late in life. My wonderful wife delivered on our son’s due date without complication. I held our miracle thinking “what am I supposed to do with you?” I was terrified that at 41, I was already past my prime to be a father.

As our son grew, we noticed that things were “different.” He was lifting his head faster than normal and adapting to new experiences immediately. When he first stood up on his own, it was on my birthday when he was only five months old. Then he began to use furniture to help him walk around. We thought “look at our clever boy go!”

At his two-year-old yearly checkup, his pediatrician told us that we had a child who is intellectually gifted and we need to explore all possibilities to nurture this. At the same time, we also were experiencing things that deeply troubled him. He was uncoordinated; he could not look into our eyes when we spoke to him; sounds and textures caused him great pain; he was shyer than other children his age. Our concerns led us to seek help. He was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). What this means for him is that his senses become overwhelming due to his environment.

This is what my miracle has to deal with in life. I wondered, how do you nurture a gift that he has, while trying to protect him from the painful world around him? After months of intensive research, my wife found the answer – homeschooling. As long as we can contain and control the environment around him, we can also help that little brain blossom.

At the age of three, our son began his educational journey. It all started with an amazing online Preschool curriculum that consisted of 84 lessons to complete. I thought “Wow, what a challenge!” I was wrong. Six weeks later, he was finished. This was no fluke; we knew he had something beyond even us. My wife prepared him well for the move to Kindergarten, this time with a traditional curriculum along with his first nationally standardized end-of-year exam as North Carolina General Statute § 115C-564 requires. After doing fabulous in school, we selected the IOWA Test; he scored in the 99 percentile of all children in the United States.

As our son continued to develop, so too did his sensory issues. We later discovered that because his eye sight was still developing while he was learning to walk, it disturbed the development of his hand-eye coordination and depth perception, thus adding to the disorder. Fortunately, one thing that did change for the better was his social skills. He became a social butterfly. He became a natural leader and has had places where he can visit where he thrives from the social interaction.

As his SPD has worsened, he will begin occupational therapy soon to hopefully find relief. Yet, every day he continues to smile, laugh, and have fun as any four-year-old should. By the way, he’s in first grade now. We do our best to give him a balanced life. He has learned to be humble, kind, and a gentleman; a quality sorely lacking nowadays. I know that the challenges awaiting my son will be chaotic over the next several years, but I also know that he has a solid support system in family, godparents and friends who are always by his side. My son has taught me that SPD and other challenges in life do not define who he is, nor limit his capabilities; he says that it is what he has and not who he is. For parents and children going through your own battles, my son has a message for you– “being unique is my super power and it is yours too.”

Merchant Cash USA wanted to know what the best cities were for budding female entrepreneurs looking to operate a small business. The small business financial lender used data from the 2015 Census in some of the most highly populated cities, and ranked particular cities according to cost of rent for a home or office space, number of small businesses per 10,000 people, and the average unemployment rate per city.

Merchant Cash USA also looked into what was available financially for female entrepreneurs looking for funding, and analyzed what grant and loan options existed for women-owned businesses in various states across the country. Raleigh listed #8 out of the top ten cities, while Oklahoma City ranked as #1.

How has that changed since then?

Magnify Money performed their own survey in August of 2018 and the results have changed.

They surveyed the fifty (50) largest U.S. cities to find the best places for women who want to be their own boss, launch a business, or do both. After looking at data about women entrepreneurs across four different categories (income, earnings, rate of self-employment, and parity of ownership), the data found that women who work for themselves are more likely to earn a decent living by doing so. These cities also tend to have higher rates of women who are self-employed. Those fifty (50) cities are ranked as follows:

1) San Francisco, 2) Austin, 3) San Jose, 4) Memphis, 5) Nashville, 6) Los Angeles, 7) San Diego, 8) Sacramento, 9) Seattle, 10) Cincinnati, 11) Raleigh, 12) Boston, 13) Las Vegas, 14) Washington, 15) Portland, OR, 16) Denver, 17) Houston, 18) Hartford, 19) Phoenix, 20) Providence, 21) New Orleans, 22) Dallas, 23) Kansas City, 24) New York, 24) Baltimore, 26) Riverside, 27) Miami, 28) Columbus, 29) Minneapolis, 30) Milwaukee, 31) San Antonio, 32) Atlanta, 33) Tampa, 34) Charlotte, 35) Orlando, 36) Richmond, 37) Salt Lake City, 38) Oklahoma City, 39) Virginia Beach, 40) Jacksonville, 41) Buffalo, 42) St. Louis, 43) Chicago, 44) Birmingham, 45) Detroit, 46) Indianapolis, 47) Louisville, 48) Philadelphia, 49) Pittsburgh, 50) Cleveland

According to Medium.com, women entrepreneurs make up approximately 1/3 of all entrepreneurs worldwide. Studies have also shown that successful women entrepreneurs usually start their businesses as either a second or third profession by fulfilling a dream. Many entrepreneurs have experienced a considerable amount of dissatisfaction with their previous careers and in working for others.

They found that by starting their own businesses, these unhappy individuals have now become satisfied with their personal and professional lives. In addition to starting their own businesses, women tend to offer more benefits to its employees like job training and health packages.

Are there challenges to become a woman entrepreneur? Absolutely! There are challenges in any role as an entrepreneur, but more so as a woman. 2017 data from the National Association of Women Business Owners found that more than 11 million U.S. firms are now owned by women, employing nearly 9 million people and generating $1.7 trillion in sales. However, this is still a minority number in a male-dominated environment. 

Challenges such as defying social expectations, dealing with limited access to funding, and struggling to be taken seriously can surely frustrate anyone trying to make themselves into a successful brand. At the same time, encouraging moments such as owning your accomplishments, and building up your support network can help create that balance between sanity and insanity.

Women entrepreneurs have more than proven that they provide a solid foundation to the business community and our own living communities. As they continue to grow, we must continue to give them our loyalty and support to continue to thrive and prosper. There is always enough room for a new business owner – let’s welcome these women into our towns with open arms and wish for nothing but success for them.

EDITOR’S NOTE: I love having conversations with my son, and I thought I would share our latest conversation because I love the way he thinks. However that conversation turned into something else that was simply impressive. He wanted me to write his words down into an article for “Daddy’s magazine.” These are his own words about Christmas, and this is his first article titled “Christmas Through Innocent Eyes.” Harvey is autistic, has sensory processing disorder, and is only four-years-old. It also makes this honor so very special to be named the youngest journalist at The City Insight Magazine. I hope this warms your heart as much as it did mine. Seeing Christmas through such young and truly innocent eyes makes the holiday season even more magical. It taught me one important lesson – you are never too old to believe.

Welcome to my home, and come inside. You can play with anything you want but don’t touch the breakable stuff.

I want to tell a story about what Christmas means to me, and to children, and puppies and grown-ups and everyone in the world.

The first thing I think of is of Santa Claus. Santa looks like he has big whiskers and if you’re naughty, then he will give you a card to tell you to try to be good. He has a belt to hold his trousers up and he has a coat and a hat so he can look like Santa and he can stay warm.

I think Santa has a Christmas rocket or a Christmas plane so he can fly all around the world to give present. The sled is not fast enough. I also think Santa has a puppy and he is taking him out right now for a walk. He has the puppy because he got him from the North Pole General Store. He likes puppies and dogs and he can take care of them and keep them safe. The puppy’s name is Henry because I dream of Santa and I heard Santa say that to me in the dream.

Mrs. Claus is cooking some breakfast for Santa and her. I think she is making Christmas Tree Soup. It’s called Christmas Tree Soup because it’s like Spaghetti Christmas Tree soup which is super, super hot. So we need to cool it a little bit and you need spaghetti, meatballs, bananas, oranges, apples, and pumpkins to make it.

I think of the elves too. They help Santa make toys and fix toys. They have jingly bells on their hats. They check the list of naughty and nice children twice. I think they do this for Santa because the paper is too long with all the children’s’ names on it and it’s rolled up and it goes down to the floor when it’s not rolled. That’s too much for Santa to read.

Snow on Christmas is so cold and chilly and fun to play with. I like sledding and snowball fights. I think the snow comes from the clouds or the rain. Snow is important for children on Christmas to play with.

The reindeer are good and they are super, super special. They have antlers and they can guide Santa’s sleigh. They are nice to look at and Rudolph was not the favorite but he came to be the favorite.

I think the kids in the world like Christmas and other Christmas stuff like trees, decorations, pots to hold the trees, turkey, soup, chocolate, cookies, and milk, which Santa loves! You bake some cookies like sugar or chocolate chip and we get some milk. We put the milk and cookies on my learning desk and I do it to say thank you to Santa for the presents. I think he enjoys the cookies and milk because they are always gone in the morning.

I wish I can work with Santa in the Workshop so I can make toys for all the children in the world like trains, planes, snakes, globes that have snow in them with Santa and the Christmas tree… snow globes. I think I need to help sick children and go with them to the Doctor’s so that I can help them feel less sick and ask the Doctor what’s happening inside of them. Then I can get the supplies with the tools to help them so they can have a happy Christmas.

I want everyone to enjoy Christmas and be happy, safe, and sound.

Our Journeys

George’s instructor was a professional guy in the community that taught Karate for passion. George quickly realized that Martial Arts provided the same life skill training he received from his Mother. He was very fortunate in that regard and invigorated to hear those parental influences repeated by his Karate instructor. This experience helped him realize that Karate is not about punching, kicking or fighting. It is about developing an individual, and helping them grow to become the best person they can be. Stephanie’s fondness for Karate grew even stronger while she took her own path. She was enticed with the art of being a leader with the passion and discipline to help and care about people.

What We Are Told About Martial Arts

Every advertisement you see for Martial Arts always talk about:

• Leadership
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Self-Esteem
• Self-Discipline
• Self-Defense

These philosophies are very true! Karate has a way of teaching this through repetition; it allows the mind and body time to adapt. Within that process, we realize that we can become leaders by helping others willing to study. We learn honesty through perseverance; you perform all 200 kicks because you realize that putting in the work makes your journey more rewarding. As an individual develops internally, just like anything else, your confidence and self-esteem grows as well. Karate helps those grow mentally and physically stronger. Once a martial artist can understand these doctrines, they are then better prepared to meet the everyday challenges of life; of course they will also have the skills to defend themselves if ever required.

Our Philosophies

We were told separately many years ago that the best way to learn is to teach. We now have the ability and responsibility to share with our students the principles and values which we both have gained from studying Karate for the past two decades. Each student is different and requires a different approach to learning in order to reach their full potential. We understand, as instructors that our students, young and old, comprehend that the respect and discipline they demonstrate to learn and participate in Karate is the same discipline required to be successful in life.

What is Karate?

Karate is an art like learning to play a musical instrument. When you respect it and are ready to devote time to your craft, you will rise to greater heights. We have personally witnessed how embracing the art and living as a true Karate-ka (a person who studies Karate) will benefit your life and the people around you. Through our desire or any instructor’s desire to share their passion of Karate with them, hopefully, students are inspired to do the same. The focus as an instructor is not to develop the person with the best kicks or punches, but instead develop the person with strong character who lives with values and ethics for others and themselves.

Conclusions

Our experience in Martial Arts says “YES, Martial Arts are still very relevant!” Considering today’s society, we have to be thorough, confident and have great self-worth to be successful. Martial Arts provide the pathway for an individual to learn their limitations, and push those boundaries or challenges out the way so that the true powerful and mighty person within them can come alive.

Stephanie and George Whitten can be found at Fighting Tiger Family Karate, located on 6701 Glenwood Ave., Suite 103, Raleigh, NC 27612. For more information, call (919) 787-2250 or visit www.ftfKarate.com.

This is a story of how helping hands for autistic individuals are available today. The word itself, autism, derives from the Greek word “autos,” meaning “self.” It was used in the early 1900s to describe the condition in which a person isolates themselves from social interaction. In 1943, child psychiatrist Dr. Leo Kanner, would publish a paper that recognizes children who were highly intelligent but displayed a need for being alone. Dr. Kanner later names their condition “early infantile autism.”

Once upon a time, autism was considered to be “childhood schizophrenia” and generally accepted to be a psychological disorder caused by emotionally distant mothers. Children with autism were discouraged from attending school, and grew up in the seclusion of their family homes.

Sometimes, children with autism were inappropriately institutionalized. People did not believe that these special children could grow up to have productive employment and lead fulfilling lives.

How We View Autism Today

Today, we recognize this condition as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); a group of developmental disabilities that can render an individual challenged in the areas of social interaction, communication, and repetitive or restricted behaviors. ASD is a brain disorder which is normally identified within the first three years of an infant’s life. ASD also comes in varying degrees of severity, which means that no two people will ever be the same.

It is a lifelong disorder that affects those at all stages of their life, and can also be combined with other disabilities such as Sensory Processing Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome.

Those afflicted with this condition can seek help through autism therapy in the form of behavioral, occupational, physical, medical and dietary, language, and complementary therapy, such as those involving music or art.

Autism in North Carolina

Autism in North Carolina is prevalent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, in 2016, about one (1) in sixty-eight (68) eight (8)-year-old school children may be diagnosed with autism on a national level. 

In North Carolina, that number increases to about one (1) in fifty-eight (58). In North Carolina’s public schools, during the 2014-2015 school year, there were more than 16,000 students with autism enrolled in all 107 school districts; there are more than 65,000 individuals in North Carolina living with ASD.

Parents and individuals with ASD cannot get through these difficult moments in life alone. This is where support groups such as The Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC) come in.

The Autism Society of North Carolina

For more than 45 years, The Autism Society of North Carolina has made its sole mission to provide support and promote opportunities that enhance the lives of individuals within the autism spectrum and their families. Through continued support and education across North Carolina, ASNC continues to lead the way by holding your loved ones hand through their journey of attaining a better quality of life.

It was created by special parents who shared information, provided support to one another, and improved the lives of all children with autism in North Carolina. These parents were responsible for laying the groundwork for the services and support that families and individuals now enjoy.

Striving for Success

ASNC strives to provide skill-building services designed to increase the independent skills of someone with ASD. Whether at home or within the community, ASNC helps those prepare to interact in either location safely and confidently.

ASNC’s Employment Support department continues to help individuals with autism find and maintain employment, which is a key part of having a complete life. ASNC also offers camps, afterschool programs, social groups, respite, adult day programs, and supported living homes around North Carolina.

“For nearly 50 years the Autism Society of North Carolina has improved lives, supported families, and educated communities about the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We help tens of thousands of North Carolinians living with autism annually through a wide range of services. If you have questions about autism or need help, don’t hesitate to call 800-442-2762,” says David Laxton, Director of Communications of The Autism Society of North Carolina.

What is Available?

The 133-acre Camp Royall, outside of Pittsboro, is the nation’s oldest and largest camp for individuals with ASD. Camp Royall provides typical camp activities, in a structured environment to meet the needs of individuals with autism. Activities include Swimming, Arts and Crafts, Hiking, Hayrides and Boating.

ASNC also provides an unlimited amount of support to professionals such as doctors and teachers. By working with professionals, ASNC can increase the quality of care for those afflicted with ASD. ASNC’s licensed psychologists and certified behavioral analysts emphasize evidence-based best practices, early intervention and learning through an individual’s life as part of their specialized training.

The Goals of the ASNC

The goal, as ASNC underlines, is to increase the understanding and acceptance of individuals with ASD. The organization’s educational efforts have helped the State of North Carolina to have a lower average age of diagnosis than the nation as a whole.

Through education, comes support in the way of families. ASNC’s locally based Autism Resource Specialists will help find resources for families, assist with school issues, and provide further education to families through workshops.

There are more than 50 local chapters throughout North Carolina to provide this extended support and education to individuals and their families affected by autism. 

ASNC, in addition to their many community service activities, advocates for the needs of the autism community by forming and upholding valued relationships at the State Legislature and other policy-making bodies. 

The Annual Triangle Run/Walk for Autism

Recently, ASNC celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the annual Triangle Run/Walk for Autism. “This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism. From the first year and around 300 runners, the event has grown to 4,000+ participants stepping out to raise money and support the autism community. At the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism, families come together to celebrate and share information and the community learns more about autism while enjoying a fun-filled event. Whether you run, walk, donate, or volunteer, the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism has something for everyone,” reiterated Laxton.

For the 20th anniversary, the ASNC is encouraging past teams and participants to return back to the Run/Walk. They are also offering cash prizes of $250 to the overall winners (men’s and women’s) of the 5K race.

During these twenty years, the ASNC has raised over $2 million to support individuals with autism and their families through the event. They are also compiling video memories from past chairs of the event and team captains.

The ASNC will be offering an information exchange area at the event where people can learn more about the organization and others who serve the autism community. There will also be a kids play area as well, live music, and plenty of open space for people to enjoy themselves and celebrate the day.

Highlights of the Event

The event will include the following:

• 5K race (our competitive racers).
  • This is chip timed and certified.
  • It is also one of the events in the Second Empire Grand Prix series.
• 5K non-competitive event
  • This is for racers who want to do the full course, but not be timed.
• 1 Mile fun run
  • This is not officially timed and provides a good option for many of our teams who are walking and/or pushing strollers, pulling wagons, etc.
• Kid’s Dash
  • This is within Halifax Mall and provides kids under six (6) the opportunity to all be winners.

For Further Information

For more information about the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism, you can visit www.trianglerunwalkforautism.com.

The Triangle Run/Walk for Autism takes place on Saturday, Oct. 13, at 9:00 a.m., at Halifax Mall, 300 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh, NC 27603.

The Online Registration Deadline is Monday, October 8, at 8:00 a.m. After this date, registration will be $30.00 for the 5K Competitive, 5K Noncompetitive, and 1-Mile.

Additional information about the Triangle Run/Walk for Autism is located at www.trianglerunwalkforautism.com.

ASNC works diligently to directly improve the lives of individuals affected by autism, by providing advocacy, education, and services. For additional information on how the Autism Society of North Carolina can help the community, you can call 1-800-442-2762, 919-743-0204, or visit www.autismsociety-nc.org.

When I walked into the world of Law back in August 2014, I quickly realized that it’s true what they say – what you learn in a classroom versus what you learn through practical application on the job, are two different worlds. I’m sure that many have said the same thing about other industries, but what makes the legal system so different? Well, I thought I was going to be a “paralegal.” Truth is that I am a paralegal, and a researcher, and a public relations practicioner, and the biggest shoulder to cry on if there ever is one. So, why am I all these jobs?.. because I am a paralegal.

From my perspective, once I receive the call that a potential client needs assistance, I quickly schedule them onto our calendar for the next available appointment. That client comes through the door and most of them enter with such trepidation. I can quickly see it in their eyes. It appears as if they are walking into the unknown, or swimming in the ocean and unable to see their feet through the water (Remember “Jaws”?) I greet them with a smile, and present them with an intake sheet where they are expected to provide some background about themselves. This is no different from a doctor’s or dentist’s office but for some reason, their eyes grow wider and they begin to scramble to find their vital statistics. After asking the client if they would like something to drink, or if they would like the television turned on for them, I begin to see their shoulders sink a bit. They begin to find some comfort in the sofa or chairs in the waiting room and forget about what happens next.

Suddenly, a large voice booms through the hallway and it happens to be the attorney greeting them to his office. What was once becoming a relaxed atmosphere has now turned nuclear. The trepidation kicks in and a genuine fear now appears. However, as with any great attorney, it is their job to put that client at ease immediately. Laughs are shared, handshakes are given, and a warm welcome to the office is provided. Sometimes I attend the meetings if I need to translate from Spanish to English, but usually I await the client after they are asked a series of questions that have made them ask if they will be reported to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). I realize that it is part of the job but I cannot help feeling bad for these clients who are trying so desparately to stay with their families in lieu for leaving them behind and going back to countries who are in horrible conditions.

As a researcher, the attorney depends on me to find the answer he needs. It really is as simple as that. Here is the case, here is the problem, now what is the answer? If we can find the answer, then it can be used to make or break our case; in other words determine a client’s fate. Even with the right answers, I have learned that anything can still happen. Then comes the most important part to me personally – talking to the client and getting answers from them. Will all clients be forthcoming with answers? Not at all because sometimes the truth hurts if you have to relive it. This is where my shoulder becomes important. There are times when a case requires an affidavit on behalf of the client, and within the affidavit, the nightmares of the client have to be spoken about. I have found that clients will get quiet during these times. It is not only my job to relax them and assure them that they will be okay; but it is my job to also pull the whole truth out of them regardless if I trigger up nightmarish memories. The box of tissue is usually required at this stage, as is a nice break for the client. I sit back while they gather together, and I truly am in awe of them. The stories they have lived through are remarkable. Stories of true survival are told and to see these people in front of me today is simply miraculous. I tell them how proud I am of them for sharing this information and I humbly am proud. It is not easy to tell the truth, and it is certainly not easy to relive such thoughts.

Then, as the process progresses, I get the occasional phone call from them to find out how things are going. I let them know that I will call them when I have some news. Life unfortunately is not always about good news, but when that good news arrives, the phone call to the client is the best ever. Sitting with the attorney and sharing that news is what is the most rewarding aspect of the job. To hear, and to sometimes see that monkey jump off the back of our clients is we fight for daily. I realize that in legal terms I may be a sidekick, but when I share that news, and know how much of my work went into the success of the case, I feel like I am the superhero too.

For those who are hesitant to approach an attorney to fight for your cause, take a breath and jump in with feet first. No, not all attorneys are evil villians. A few bad apples do ruin a bunch but you will find that anywhere you go. Attorneys are not here to take your money; they are here to fight for you, to argue for your cause; to win at all costs because they believe in you so much that they will go to no end to provide you with a positive outcome. As for the paralegal, we are always here by the attorney’s side fighting for the same beliefs and principles, and championing your rights. We will give you our time, our best efforts, and our positive energy. When you walk into a law firm, you join a team who is ready to take you as their star receiver and together make their way to the end zone.

Remember, feet first to make that dive. Keep your nerves to one side and be ready to fight for your life when you hire an attorney. Let them lead your team to victory, and let us paralegals create that playbook to earn that victory.

Written by Kris Alvarenga