For most of 2025, Carol Nigut, a Master of Legal Studies student at the James E. Rogers College of Law, resisted the idea of pursuing a Juris Doctor degree. “I don’t want to work that hard,” she often told her professors. Yet, beneath that reluctance lies a remarkable journey of resilience and growth.
At 73, after decades in various careers—from airline flight attendant to real estate agent—Nigut is on the brink of a new chapter in law. She’s exploring at least one scholarship offer for a Juris Doctor program in San Diego. “It feels like this is where I should have been all along,” she reflects.
### A Serendipitous Journey
Nigut grew up in Skokie, Illinois, as the only girl among three brothers. College wasn’t a priority for her parents, so restless after high school, she hitchhiked across Europe and became a flight attendant. After nearly two years of flying internationally, she moved back home but struggled to continue her education amidst family changes.
While in Colorado, she became intrigued by issues of addiction and human behavior. Nigut volunteered to help develop a support program within her union that assisted flight attendants with substance abuse problems instead of terminating their employment. This experience sparked her passion for understanding human and organizational dynamics.
Eventually, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Behavioral Sciences at 32 and shifted her focus to employee assistance counseling, leading programs aimed at helping individuals rather than focusing solely on profit. The dissatisfaction with profit-driven motives led her to explore new paths.
### Reinventing Herself
In her quest for a more fulfilling career, Nigut became a personal trainer and yoga instructor and eventually relocated to Tucson after a visit to her brother led her to fall in love with the area. Skeptical at first, she ventured into real estate and thrived for ten years, becoming a top agent.
However, by 2024, Nigut found herself weary of the commission-based real estate grind. Her long-standing interest in justice and fairness resurfaced, prompting her to enroll in a paralegal program. There, she discovered her deep passion for legal studies.
Attending a Legal Paraprofessional Summit at the University of Arizona, she learned about Arizona’s legal paraprofessional license, which can provide limited legal services—a revelation that ignited her ambition to pursue a Master of Legal Studies.
### Embracing Her Destiny
Nigut’s interest in restorative justice led her to work alongside law professors at the college’s Civil Rights Restoration Clinic, where she helps clients reclaim their civil rights. When professors suggested she consider a Juris Doctor, her initial response was hesitant. It was a facade that masked deeper insecurities.
Reflecting on her journey, Nigut shares, “Sometimes you think your way into right acting, but sometimes you have to act your way into right thinking.” As she began discussing the possibility of a Juris Doctor, it became clear that this was the next step she truly wanted.
Nigut’s hard work pays off—she maintains a 3.75 GPA and recently scored in the 95th percentile on JD Next, a law school admissions test widely accepted by many institutions. She is excited about the prospect of attending law school, and she’s eager for more offers.
At 77, as she looks forward to completing her Juris Doctor, Nigut dismisses being called an inspiration. “I just want to do something meaningful. I have the freedom to chase what I’ve always wanted, and I’m loving every moment of it.”
This story reflects a growing trend of older adults returning to education later in life. According to a report from the National Center for Education Statistics, enrollment of students aged 35 and older in degree-granting postsecondary institutions increased significantly over the last decade.
Nigut’s journey exemplifies the idea that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and contribute to society. For her, this new legal path isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a chance to give back, advocating for justice in a way that resonates deeply with her life experiences.
Source link
