Knowledge Is Meant to Be Shared

Dear Black Grl,

Always know that you’re capable. – V

There is something that happens to me when I am in front of an audience sharing something I’m passionate about. It does not matter if it is ten people or two hundred. Something clicks. I come alive.

On March 28, 2026, I had the privilege of joining the Broward College Paralegal Eagles Program as a guest speaker on a Zoom panel alongside Yvette Tompkins, a current Judicial Assistant with the 17th Judicial Circuit who has dedicated thirty years to the Florida Courts and Broward Clerk systems. The panel was hosted by Dr. Alana Dasent, a dear friend whose faith in me made this moment possible, and Lynn Slossberg, whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time today.

This was actually my second time being called upon by Dr. Dasent. Years ago, while I was still working as a Judicial Assistant in the 15th Judicial Circuit, she invited me to speak with her night class at Broward College about the paralegal profession.

This panel covered a lot of ground. We talked about best practices when contacting judicial chambers, because that is a skill set that does not get enough attention. We talked about the layers of working in the court system, from administration to the Clerk of Courts to state agencies, and how understanding those relationships can make or break your effectiveness as a legal professional. We talked about what to expect if and when you decide to become a Judicial Assistant. We talked about the future of the profession, including AI, remote hearings, e-filing, and online case management systems, and what students need to be doing right now to stay ahead of those shifts.

Yvette brought something to the conversation that I could not: the post-COVID court experience. I left the courts in 2019, so hearing her perspective on how the system adapted, and continues to adapt, was invaluable. While I could not speak from that perspective, I did speak from the perspective of a litigant post-COVID, since I have had active involvement in the courts since then. That gave the students yet another lens to look through. That is the beauty of a panel done right. Everyone learns something.

We also talked about mentorship, which is something I feel deeply about. So much of where I am today traces back to people who took the time to pour into me. Saying yes to opportunities like this one is my way of paying that forward. I’ve already been put on notice that I’ll be back and I absolutely look forward to it.

Shout out to Professor Slossberg for making sure to give Bittersweet a shameless plug throughout our discussions lol I loved every second of discussing my book and upcoming author panels with them.

I love to read. I love to write. I love learning. But just as much as I love to absorb knowledge, I love to give it back. If you have ever heard me speak on something I’m passionate about, you know I mean that. If you have not, I hope you get the chance.

To Dr. Dasent, Professor Slossberg, Yvette, and every student who showed up and engaged, thank you. You gave me just as much as I gave you.