My Bio: Melissa Stramer
I am currently pursuing my Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies at Bryant & Stratton College. My goal is to begin my career as a paralegal, with a particular interest in criminal law and the justice system.

Before returning to school, I worked in several different fields, including healthcare, property maintenance, and hospitality. These experiences have taught me how to communicate with different types of people, stay organized, handle confidential information, and work in stressful and busy environments.

Criminal law is an area that I am genuinely interested in. I want to use my education and experience to help people understand their rights and navigate the legal system. I am continuing to build my legal research, writing, organization, and communication skills as I work toward my degree and my first position in the legal field.

Educational Background: Melissa Stramer
I am currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies at Bryant & Stratton College. My expected graduation date is October 2026.

My coursework has given me experience with legal research, legal writing, case analysis, and professional communication. Some of the courses I have completed include Criminal Law, Torts, Domestic Relations, Business Organizations, Sociology, and Career Development.

My education has helped me build a better understanding of the legal system while developing practical skills that I can use as I begin my career in the legal field.

Educational Background: Melissa Stramer
Completed a Medical Assistant diploma program at Minneapolis Business College in 2005. The program provided training in medical office procedures, patient care, communication, documentation, and other skills used in a healthcare setting.

Educational Background: Melissa Stramer
Graduated from North Branch High School in 2004.

Projects: Melissa Stramer
For my SOSC225 Thank You Letter assignment, I practiced writing a professional thank you letter. This assignment helped me understand the importance of showing appreciation and following up in a professional manner. I learned how a simple thank you can leave a positive impression and help build professional relationships. This is something I can use when communicating with employers, attorneys, and others as I work toward starting my career as a paralegal. Thank You Letter

Projects: Melissa Stramer
For my SOSC225 Online Professional Profile, I worked on presenting myself in a professional way and highlighting my skills, experience, and career goals. This assignment helped me think about how my past work experience and education can help me move into the legal field. It also helped me understand the importance of having a professional online presence when looking for job opportunities and making connections with employers. Online Professional Profile

Projects: Melissa Stramer
For my ENG202 project, Confidential Informants and the Justice System, I researched the role confidential informants play in criminal investigations and some of the concerns surrounding their use. This project helped me look at different sides of the issue and understand the importance of reliable information, fairness, and accountability in the justice system. It also helped me improve my research and writing skills while learning more about a topic that relates to my interest in criminal law. Confidential Informants and the Justice System

Projects: Melissa Stramer
For my ENG202 Reflective Annotated Bibliography, I looked back at the sources I used for my research and reflected on what I learned from them. This assignment helped me understand the importance of finding trustworthy information and looking at different points of view. It also helped me see how research can strengthen my understanding of a topic and support my ideas. These are skills I can use in my future career as a paralegal when researching legal issues and reviewing information. Reflective Annotated Bibliography

Projects: Melissa Stramer
For my ENG202 Points of View Research Proposal, I worked on developing a research topic and looking at different points of view on an issue. This assignment helped me practice researching information, organizing my thoughts, and supporting my ideas with credible sources. It also helped me understand the importance of considering different perspectives before forming an opinion. These skills will be useful in my future paralegal career when researching legal issues and reviewing information. Points of View Research Proposal

Projects: Melissa Stramer
For my SOSC102 Sociology portfolio project, I worked on understanding how people, communities, and society influence one another. This assignment helped me look at different social issues and better understand how people Portfolio Project

Projects: Melissa Stramer
For my PLEG155 portfolio project, I completed a final project that helped me build my understanding of legal concepts and the role of a paralegal. This assignment gave me the opportunity to use what I learned throughout the course and practice completing work in a professional manner. It also helped me improve my research, writing, and attention to detail, which are all important skills for my future career in the legal field. Portfolio Project

Projects: Melissa Stramer
For this assignment, I wrote a professional letter to a supervising attorney. It helped me practice communicating clearly and professionally in a legal setting. I learned the importance of using the proper format, being respectful, and making sure my writing is organized and easy to understand. These are skills I will need when working as a paralegal and communicating with attorneys. Professional Email to Supervising Attorney

Projects: Melissa Stramer
For this project, I worked on writing a professional letter and comparing arbitration, mediation, and trial. This assignment helped me understand the different ways legal disputes can be resolved and how each process works. I also practiced writing in a professional manner, which is an important skill for working in the legal field. These assignments helped me build my legal knowledge and improve my written communication skills. Professional Letter Comparing Arbitration, Mediation, and Trial.

Projects: Melissa Stramer
For this portfolio project, I created a PowerPoint presentation for SOSC102 Sociology. This assignment helped me practice putting information together in a way that is organized and easy to understand. I learned how to present information clearly and use technology to share what I learned. These skills will be helpful in my future career because communication and being able to explain information are important in the legal field. Socialization & Social Control Powerpoint

Projects: Melissa Stramer
In this assignment, I reflected on how my past education and work experience have influenced my career goals. I discussed the skills I gained from working in healthcare and how they can help me as I work toward a career in the legal field. This project helped me think about my strengths and the direction I want to take in my career. Community and Career Essay (.docx) 0.02mb

Projects: Melissa Stramer
In PLEG255 Business Organizations Law, I worked on a partnership dissolution agreement, which helped me understand the legal process of ending a business partnership. This project allowed me to apply what I learned about business organizations, legal agreements, and the responsibilities of partners when dissolving a business. It also helped me develop my legal writing skills and understand the importance of clear and accurate documentation. Partnership Dissolution Agreement (.docx) 0.02mb

Goals (Personal & Professional): Melissa Stramer

My Goals

One of my biggest goals is to finish my degree in Paralegal Studies at Bryant & Stratton College and finally get my foot in the door in the legal field. Changing career paths is a big step for me, but I know I have life experience that I can bring with me. My background in healthcare has taught me the importance of confidentiality, communication, treating people with respect, and staying calm in difficult situations. I want to take what I have learned over the years and use it to build a career I can be proud of.

I am most interested in criminal law and family law because I want to better understand the legal system and how it affects people's lives. My goal is to find an entry-level position where I can learn, gain experience, and prove myself. I know I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to legal research, preparing documents, and learning the different programs used in law offices, but I am willing to put in the work.

I also want to prove to myself that I can reach the goals I have set, even when life does not go as planned. Balancing school with everything else life brings has not always been easy, but I have made it this far, and I do not want to give up on something that matters to me. I want to graduate, find a job in the legal field, and continue growing both personally and professionally. Most of all, I want to look back and know that I kept going, even when things were difficult.

Resume & CV: Melissa Stramer
Melissa Stramer Paralegal Resume (.docx) 0.03mb

Presentations: Melissa Stramer
CAPS265