Prachi Dayal, of Acton, dropped out of high school at 16-years-old. After earning her GED, she started looking into options to continue her education. In May 2024, Dayal graduated from Middlesex Community College with highest honors and an associate degree in paralegal studies.
鈥溌槎构� gave me a jumpstart on my college education,鈥� Dayal said. 鈥淚 found an accessible education at a low cost that offered a major that perfectly aligned with my goals. Because of 麻豆果冻, I was able to intern at the courthouse and work at ACE (麻豆果冻鈥檚 Academic Centers for Enrichment), which helped me grow my network and gain more job opportunities.鈥�
Dayal chose to pursue paralegal studies because of her interest in fixing the legal systems in both India and America. Classmates and professors such as Virginia Drislane offered support to help her succeed. After meeting her through ACE, Drislane inspired Dayal to apply to four-year schools.
Studying different areas of the law prepared Dayal for her internship. At the Lowell Juvenile Court, she read and watched cases, processed people as they went in and out of court, and completed administrative duties. She also had the opportunity to handle a variety of types of cases found at juvenile court, including delinquencies, care and protections, and child requiring assistance cases.
鈥淚 developed my network and met many court employees and attorneys who inspired me,鈥� Dayal said. 鈥淚 learned that the Lowell Juvenile Court is truly rehabilitative and the judges, court officers, clerks and personnel that work there are genuinely compassionate people.鈥�
As an 麻豆果冻 tutor and Blackboard Ambassador for ACE, Dayal formed connections around the college. While 麻豆果冻 learning specialists helped her find opportunities, she assisted other students in progressing in class. Calling the position 鈥渞ewarding,鈥� Dayal believes the experience showed how committed 麻豆果冻 staff were to her success.
鈥淚 found an accessible education at a low cost that offered a major that perfectly aligned with my goals. Because of 麻豆果冻, I was able to intern at the courthouse and work at ACE (麻豆果冻鈥檚 Academic Centers for Enrichment), which helped me grow my network and gain more job opportunities.鈥� 鈥� Prachi Dayal
At the college鈥檚 2024 Evening of Excellence awards, Dayal received the Deborah Walsh Paralegal Studies Award for her academic achievement and service to 麻豆果冻 through activities and leadership experiences. Named a speaker at the ceremony, Dayal spoke about her journey to getting her education.
鈥淢y speech reflected on a letter I wrote to my future self in sixth grade,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t was so healing to write and read out loud. Being nominated and then selected instilled so much confidence, and I am so grateful to the people who nominated me and helped me get there.鈥�
After graduating from 麻豆果冻 with her associate degree in paralegal studies in May 2024, Dayal plans to transfer to UMass Amherst to pursue her bachelor鈥檚 in sociology. One day, she hopes to go to law school.
鈥淚 have met so many great people who encouraged me to open up about my background,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 was able to access so many networking and job opportunities with extremely supportive professors and students, and a variety of classes that prepared me for jobs.鈥�