Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Mieles.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I had a rough childhood and moved out early. Because of that, I was unable to finish ninth grade, let alone graduate. I was forced to learn a lot on my own and it was hard. My life definitely lacked any solid family relationship. I was 24 when I had my twin boys and cleaning houses for a living. By the time they started high school, I was expecting another son. Cleaning houses was one of the few lackluster jobs I worked, and I knew something needed to change. I wanted to be a good example for my children and get my GED. How can I ask of them what I have not yet done? I took the test and passed. I was so surprised and proud of myself, I enrolled in college the spring of 2014. I wasn’t really sure what exactly I wanted to commit the rest of my working life to but, I knew I didn’t want to sit in an office all day.
So, I took several self-assessments and the Briggs Myers Personality type quiz. Those somewhat annoying questionnaires ended up being instrumental in choosing a career that would suit me. I learned I am an ENTJ (extravert, intuitive, thinking, judging) which is dubbed “The Commander.” Looking over jobs that fit my personality type, I decided I wanted to be a paralegal and help people. Paralegals work in many fields, not just under attorneys, thus giving my degree other options for employment. In 2017, I earned an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude, a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society with five certificates in; Office Support, Office Specialist, Office Management, Business Operations, and Business Specialist. Sitting there at graduation, I couldn’t help but reflect on some trying times throughout this educational journey.
I got emotional, remembering how difficult it was working, raising three boys on my own, the lack of sleep and overtime it took to get where I was sitting. Can you imagine breastfeeding your baby while doing Word typing drills and you can only type with two fingers? I laugh now but I’m sure I cried a little then too. On an overachievers high, I kept going. Our local community college, the College of Central Florida only offered a few bachelor degrees at time so I decided getting a bachelor in business would be a good contingency plan in case being a paralegal didn’t work out. Now by this time, I was already working for myself as a side job helping people by drafting their divorce, child support modifications, and other legal documents. One of the twins Casino had been diagnosed with neuromyelitis Optica and Kluver Bucy syndrome. (Basically what happens when he gets sick, his body attacks itself by forming lesions/irreputable damage on the brain.) Both rare autoimmune diseases requiring bi-weekly, sometimes weekly visits to Shands Children’s Hospital, which is an hour away from us. Because of my son’s condition, I had to be mindful of germs so that meant avoiding daycare or using a private person when necessary.
So, here I am in college full time, working two jobs and taking my son back and forth to the hospital, all with a toddler in tow. But the problems didn’t stop there. I did not get child support for any of them, making life a little more suffocating. This is when the other twin, Chase and I came up with an idea to mow lawns on the side too. Since I was in school for business, this was a good way to not only implement what I was learning but give the kids a trade to learn. Not that I found mowing lawns a desirable trade, I wasn’t too good for it either. It helped ends meet, taught my son how to talk to people and we even learned how to take a 72’ zero turn mower apart and rebuild it. Never thought I’d be learning about hydro static gear pumps, but we did and can laugh about it now. In the fall of 2019, I earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Business and Organizational Management degree, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and still a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. Just as emotional as the first time reflecting on the hard times. When Chase and I got our first riding lawn mower and had to get it in the back of our truck.
All the homework I had to do at the Children’s Hospital with subpar internet. One occasion, I had to ask strangers for gas money just to make it home from my son’s treatment. It was humiliating. But I wouldn’t have had it any other way, and this is why. Life is never going to give you anything, you have to earn it. The fact that I never had anyone to depend on, made me a better hustler. Turning problems into opportunity is all about changing your perspective. Getting my bachelor degree empowered me to be able to do that. Here I thought going to college I would learn about other things conducive to my occupation when I learned so much more about myself. I try to pass that on when I can. In January of 2020, when remote online notarization was passed for Florida, I got certified and became a member of every Notary Association across the state. In April, I had a billboard put up for my business. I only work for myself now and absolutely love helping people. Some have compared me to Erin Brockovich because of my tenacity and desire for justice to prevail. Others have made me cry telling me how I have empowered them, gave them hope, and listened when others wouldn’t. Now, that’s rewarding. Some words I like to live by; “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel,” – Mya Angelou.
We’ve been impressed with Advanced Legal Documents, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Document Preparation we assist you in completing, notarizing and filing your legal documents. In addition to preparing your forms, we are also here to answer any questions you may have about the legal process. Florida Notary Authorized Florida Notary available for all legal documents. Remote Online & Mobile Notary services upon request. This service is included at no additional charge with any document preparation purchase. Wedding Officiant All couples & All traditions! No matter what type of wedding ceremony you are planning, we can work with you to create something that is perfect for the two of you! What We Do Advanced Legal Documents is a legal document service providing a low-cost alternative for those seeking to represent themselves in court (pro se) rather than paying costly lawyer fees.
When you choose us, you will be helped by qualified and friendly legal document assistant professionals. We are the best because our service is versatile, no matter what type of document you need help with, our experts can provide you with quality assistance. Who We Are Experienced paralegal professionals who take great pride in being accessible, efficient, responsive and technologically sophisticated. Our meticulous attention to detail assure you accurate documents in a timely manner. Well versed in Florida law and court proceedings. When solving legal issues, we strive for efficient and practical solutions. It is our goal to serve you while upholding the ethical standards of the legal profession.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My son would say, “Mom, you are your happiest when you’re helping people.” Being able to have a residual effect on people in my community that is positive. Empowering them with a change in perspective, so they can see opportunity in the face of adversity. I’m happy overcoming obstacles because then I feel like, what’s next. It’s pretty cool seeing what you’re made of. Then of course being able to provide for my boys independently.
Contact Info:
- Email: advancedlegaldocuments@gmail.com
- Website: advancedlegaldocuments.com
