Mark Davis: My MORCA-Georgetown Paralegal Program Experience and the Power to Shape My Own Future

“This program will change your life.”  

“This program will change your life.”  

“If you just make it through, this program will change your life.”  

These words were repeated by alumni from previous cohorts over and over again at the start of the program. I knew from that moment that the MORCA-Georgetown Paralegal Program was something I wanted to be a part of.  “Sign me up for a life change,” I thought to myself! 

Now, after successfully graduating, I have reached a full-circle moment; which has led me to write this blog post about how this program has changed my life.

Prior to completing the academic session, we were invited to participate in a retreat. During this retreat, I remember sitting in a circle and telling classmates about my morning.  I shared a message someone gave me earlier that morning:  “Mark, look at you,” the person said to me.  “You look good, slim. You are doing good in life.”  Then, he just looked at me and said, “Man, I’m proud of you!” 

   These encouraging words prompted a moment of reflection for me. I began to think about all my past experiences that have led me to this moment. My younger days getting locked up repeatedly; staying on the run for years at one time; even getting shot in the face at seventeen years old. Despite the troubling times, all of that was part of my story. 

   More specifically, I recalled the time period right before I heard about this program. I had lost my grandmother unexpectedly, and I was drinking and gambling every day, stuck in a cycle of grief and disappointment. But despite my struggles, I slowly began to make changes. I wanted something better for myself and for those who believed in me. During that time, I learned about the Paralegal Program. I knew I was ready for something different––and I was finally in the right state of mind to commit to it. 

   Ironically, that is the secret to this program: it changes your life by changing you.  It is not just about getting a job at the end; it’s about the process of transformation. For me, the greatest takeaway has been the lifestyle change. The program demanded my best. It required commitment, discipline, and a complete shift in how I approached life.   

   As a result, I gained legal knowledge and skills that have made me a capable paralegal and a valuable asset to any firm or agency. While I always knew I was smart, I often doubted my abilities––especially, since I hadn’t been in an academic setting for decades. I wondered if I was ready for the challenge. I didn’t just doubt my intelligence––I also struggled with my attitude. I thought no one would take a chance on me because of my facial injuries. That negative attitude held me back from even trying at times in the past. However, during my time in the program I quickly proved those doubts wrong, excelling in my studies and gaining confidence with every achievement. The Paralegal Program helped me overcome those limiting beliefs. 

Throughout the program, I received constant encouragement from those around me. People who knew the obstacles I had faced were proud of me for showing up every day, pushing through the stress, fatigue, and sacrifices to finish what I started.

Weeks after graduation and with my confidence now at an all-time high, I believe the sky is the limit. 

  I now know I can challenge myself, thrive, and succeed. My attitude has shifted from negativity to optimism, and I believe I can achieve anything I put my mind to. I no longer use excuses like getting shot or having a felony as crutches. Instead, I simply see them as part of my story, which makes me who I am today.

On the morning of the retreat, as I prepared to meet my cohort, I stood in front of the mirror and realized that I finally believed the words others had been saying. For the first time, I felt proud of myself. I looked in the mirror and said, “Mark, look at you. You look good, slim.  You are doing good in life.”  I smiled and then said to myself, “Man, I’m proud of you.” That was a pivotal moment that I will never forget, and it’s a feeling I will carry with me. 

   That is what this program has given me. That is how it changed my life. I will forever be grateful for that, and for all the amazing people who make this program what it is.  There are far too many to name, but they know who they are and what they do.  The heart of the program’s success is the people, and I could not have done it without them.

To all the wonderful people I’ve met and who have helped me along the way, I offer my deepest thanks! 

   Salute, gratitude, and best wishes to my incredible cohort––a group of amazing, intelligent, and resilient individuals. As a group, our goal was to raise our standards individually; and, to raise the standard of the program for cohorts to follow. Check, and check!  Job well done!  

Now, let’s go out there and be great!

It is so ORDERED!