From Intern to Legal Liaison

As a paralegal student, Morgan Russum had an internship requirement, so she sought a position in U.S. Senator Tom Carper's office in Georgetown. She knew the experience would be beneficial, but did not expect it to alter her post-Delaware Tech plans of attending Widener University to earn a law degree.

"My internship was phenomenal, and I had a great time. But I didn't think I would continue working in the office or even in the field of politics once it was completed," said Russum, the Class of 2017 Outstanding Paralegal Graduate. "It was a very pleasant surprise and happy coincidence that they reached out to me about a full-time position just as I was finishing my degree program."

Russum accepted the unexpected offer of constituent services representative and now serves as a liaison between constituents and several federal agencies that focus on immigration and social security. Although it is not what she envisioned doing, the job still fits within Russum's career and life goals.

"My goal in life has always been to help people, but my idea of how I do that has changed," she shared. "My experience here in Senator Carper's office has made me move from thinking about obtaining a law degree to perhaps becoming involved with nonprofit organizations."

Early on, Russum thought she would help people by becoming a nurse, but once enrolled in a college program she realized it wasn't the right professional fit. She left the program to focus on family (she and her husband have a blended family of five children, aged 5-15) and says nearly ten years quickly passed before she made the decision to return to school.

"I decided on Delaware Tech because I heard good things about the College, and once I started the experience and the process of selecting classes, I found the people to be amazing. They were so caring and helpful. One of the things I found unique to Delaware Tech is that the instructors care, and they put in the effort to make certain you are going in the right direction," said Russum, who extended special acknowledgment to Kathleen Mahoney, a business administration and paralegal studies instructor.

"Delaware Tech prepared me well," she said. "The contacts I made and the experience of the program have been invaluable. I always recommend Delaware Tech."