Don't miss out! Durham Tech will be hosting a College Conversation in the ERC Auditorium at 3:00 p.m. on October 30. View the livestream using the link below.
The construction and real estate downturn in 2009 propelled Durham Tech alumna Felicity “Fizzy” Little to look for a new, recession-proof career. She decided on law.
“Durham Tech was the only school offering a qualified Paralegal Associate degree,” Little said. “I had no real knowledge of Durham Tech prior to that, but it had the specialized program I needed so it was the place for me.”
With her acceptance to Durham Tech, Little’s professional trajectory was changed.
“I had a wonderful experience at the College,” she said. “The opportunity Durham Tech afforded me was life-altering.”
The program, along with the instructors, were what set the College apart, but it was Little who did the work.
“The program director was supportive of me and my abilities. That was confidence-inspiring,” Little said. “It was hard work, but work I thrived on. We spent Saturdays at the Register of Deeds doing title searches. I remember this because it was tiresome, but our band of classmates bonded over it, and I learned so much. Many of us still talk to this day. We talk business, but also fit talk of family into each conversation. This level of friendship is one you will find fostered at Durham Tech.”
A single mom, her son was 15 months old when Little started at Durham Tech.
“Kind of ironic, but it was a family law class where I sometimes had to bring my son to class with me,” Little said. “My teachers and peers were supportive, even helping to watch him while I studied.”
Little was the recipient of a life-changing single-parent scholarship at Durham Tech.
“With the scholarship in place, I was able to get day care for my son. I could then accept internships,” Little said. “I slowly dug myself out of that tough place single parents often find themselves.”
Little continued to focus on her internships and part-time work as a legal assistant, and, of course, her son.
“That time at Durham Tech, the struggles and the accomplishments made me and prepared me for my career today,” Little said.
Little now is employed with New Direction Family Law in Raleigh as a firm administrator and operations manager.
“I had a brief stint at the NC Department of Justice in the tort claims division, but I missed family law,” said Little. “Family law is what I was passionate about at Durham Tech, and we had a wonderful course and professor. I have been working in the family law field since 2012.”
“I remember so many experiences from Durham Tech and all are positive,” said Little. “I specifically remember a public speaking class where I spoke on how the education level of a mother directly affects the education level her children will achieve. I got an A on that assignment, and it has always stuck with me as motivation.”
Little and her son talk often about her hard work and how it changed their lives for the better. Her son sees the opportunities he has available because of his mother’s sacrifice and hard work.
“We say ‘look how far we have come,” said Little. “He was a baby. We were just above poverty level and now we are and continue to be blessed. I have a career I am passionate about; a true blessing.”
Durham Tech’s nuanced programs are often key to the success of its students, and Little is no exception.
“My two-year degree from Durham Tech is more valuable than many four-year degrees from universities,” said Little. “It certainly has been for me. Durham Tech offered a high-quality program I could afford, allowing me to get the knowledge and get in the workforce quickly.”
Little and her son, now a teenager, took a drive through Durham Tech’s campus less than a month ago and talked of how things had changed, but how many had stayed the same.
“I asked him if he remembered anything of the campus,” said Little. “He has some vague recollections. Me on the other hand, I remember that struggling, single mom who just wanted a career she would love and one that would provide for her family. Durham Tech and hard work gave those things to me. It was a hustle, but it was worth it.”