June 29
Clarissa Summons ‘26 worked in the restaurant industry for more than 20 years before returning to college. The catalyst? When Summons reported to the restaurant owner that one of her fellow managers was sexually harassing a server, she was fired three days later.
This injustice fueled Summons instead of discouraging her, and she enrolled in the paralegal program at North Shore Community College (NSCC) as she pursues a career as an attorney. She has been awarded a full tuition scholarship to Western New England University School of Law, where she begins in the fall.
“Let's just say that there's a lot of labor violations going on in the restaurant industry. This led me to the legal profession now,” said Summons. “I am going into this field to help people advocate for their rights in the workforce.”
The Everett resident and single mom of two kids earned her paralegal associate degree from NSCC for free thanks to the MassEducate program while simultaneously earning her bachelor’s degree in culinary arts and food service management online from Johnson & Wales University.
When she first enrolled at NSCC, she wanted to become a paralegal. Her coursework taught her more about the law field and the options available to her, and she decided that law school would help her achieve her goals.
Through the paralegal program, Summons completed an internship at a personal injury law firm, where she got hands-on experience drafting documents. However, her commitment to public interest law hasn’t wavered.
After law school, Summons plans to open her own law firm advocating for employees in restaurants and retail establishments.
“A lot of people don't speak up and advocate for themselves when their rights are being violated—I hope to be that person for them,” she said.
NSCC gave Summons her first training and experience in the law field, an important step in her career journey. The College is soon to become a family tradition—her son plans to attend after he graduates from high school next year.