NEWS: Alumni Spotlight
September 17, 2025
Contact: Michael Navarre, Cuyamaca College
Cuyamaca College Alumnus balances work, study, and service, all while preparing for law school
El Cajon - Noor Haleem, Cuyamaca College Alumnus, knows what it is like to juggle many demands at once. In 2021, Noor graduated from not just one college, but two, completing the Paralegal Studies program at Cuyamaca College, and earning a business degree with a minor in psychology at San Diego State University.
Currently, she works full-time as a paralegal at a class action labor and employment law firm, part-time at a personal injury firm, and is preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), with plans to apply to law school this fall.
Noor stated that her time at Cuyamaca College allowed her to build her confidence, sharpen her critical thinking skills, and provided her with proficiency in time-management, which she feels is essential in the legal field.
“I recommend all students to take full advantage of the opportunities around them,” Noor stated. “They should not be afraid to ask questions, seek help, and get involved.”
She firmly believes that if students build strong relationships with their professors and peers, they can become mentors and supporters long after graduation. Noor states that she was inspired by her professors’ passion for teaching, which in turn inspired her to combine education with legal practice, while her own drive continues to push her toward her goals. She hopes to one day open her own law firm, teach as a part-time professor, and give back to her community through service and pro bono work.
About Cuyamaca College
Cuyamaca College has been proudly serving the diverse community of East County since its opening in 1978. As a comprehensive educational institution, Cuyamaca College offers a wide range of opportunities for students through both transfer programs and career & technical education pathways. The college is deeply committed to social justice, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have access to high-quality education and the resources they need to succeed. Offering 197 degrees and certificates, the college serves over 13,000 students annually, providing a student-centered approach to learning. Cuyamaca College delivers exceptional support services and is dedicated to ensuring students’ future success and long-term economic mobility through high transfer rates to universities and preparation for careers in their chosen fields.
About the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD)
The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) includes Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, which offer hundreds of degree and certificate programs, including Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Advanced/Basic Certificates. GCCCD is the largest provider of higher education and job training in East County, and is a top transfer pathway to San Diego State University. The colleges lead the way in developing educational programs, classes and services that meet the needs of the community of learners, and prepare students to meet changing community and workforce needs, while advancing social justice and economic mobility. Learn more and enroll at www.gcccd.edu/enroll.
For more stories about the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District, please visit our District News Center.
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