Joining the HPA (My story)

I know that when I started writing this blog, I introduced myself, but I did not say how or why I came to the HPA and I thought I would take a little time to tell that story too.

After I graduated from the Paralegal Studies program at Johnson County Community College, I found myself missing the interactions with fellow paralegals. I also missed learning about different areas of the law, both seeing how it differed from the class action/complex civil litigation field that I worked in, and the intersections, where I could learn about different tools, and areas and tasks that helped me in my own work. I attended some meetings at the various paralegal professional organizations in Kansas City, and I enjoyed those experiences. Technically, I’m not eligible for membership in the KPA because I live and work in Missouri, though they were all very lovely to me when I attended events and I think they would have been willing to try to find an exception for me (and presumably for anyone else who wanted to join).  The KCPA is very large and I always felt a little overwhelmed there. Though, I was never made to feel unwelcome. If I had the time, I would probably join all three.

In the end, I chose the Heartland Paralegal Association. I attended JCCC’s paralegal program back in the day when Anita Tebbe was in charge. For those of you who don’t know, Anita Tebbe was the heart of the program for decades until her retirement, and I had the great pleasure of taking several classes she taught. Of course, when she retired, I attended her retirement party and there I met Tomi Holt. We got to talking and she invited me to attend an HPA meeting. Tomi just made me feel so warm and welcome, and I took her up on the invitation and haven’t looked back.
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I’ve been involved with the HPA in one capacity or another for the better part of 10 years, and I always enjoy being involved with the HPA. The HPA isn’t a large organization but in some ways, I feel like this just means its members are more dedicated and it’s easier to make the connections I’m looking for in a professional networking organization.  I enjoy attending meetings, happy hours, and outreach events, and over the years, I have met and connected with so many people from all over the legal world in Kansas City (and beyond). And I hope that I make all our guests feel as welcome as Tomi made me feel.