December 3, 2025
Alumni Spotlight: Sheba Candor— From Paralegal to Law School Scholar
By Office of Communications
At San Diego Mesa College, we celebrate our scholars at every stage of their journey—from
planning their first semester, to the accomplishments they pursue long after they
leave Mesa. Amongst the many inspiring alumni who continue to make an impact, we are
proud to highlight Sheba Candor, whose academic and professional journey embodies
the spirit of this year’s Equity and Excellence theme, “Rooted in Purpose. Grounded
in Equity. Growing Together” which highlights the many ways Mesa students grow, persevere,
and shine.
Sheba earned her Certificate of Achievement as a Cal LAW Scholar through Mesa’s Pathway
to Law School program in 2024, graduating with High Honors. She credits the program,
championed by Professor Michelle Rodriguez, with giving her the foundation she needed
to pursue her bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University and gain admission to
the University of San Diego School of Law. “The partnership with Cal-LAW provides
Mesa students with a clearly defined path to exploring the legal profession while
receiving support services and mentoring, as well as easier access to transfer to
a university and then to a participating law school,” stated Dr. Isabel O’Connor,
Vice President of Instruction at Mesa College.
For current Mesa students, she encourages embracing community college as a launching
pad for your dreams. “Remember, you are exactly where you're supposed to be, and with
persistence paired with purpose, you'll go further than you ever imagined,” she adds.
Sheba emphasizes using campus resources, seeking mentorship, and taking advantage
of every scholarship and opportunity available.
Mesa College remains a pivotal chapter in her story. While working more than 40 hours
a week and already holding multiple associate degrees from Miramar College, the Cal
LAW Scholar program gave her both confidence and the credentials to aim higher.
Today, as a 1L at USD School of Law, a graduate student pursuing her Master of Public
Administration at SDSU, and a full-time Civil Litigation Paralegal and Law Firm Administrator,
she carries forward the lessons learned at Mesa: with the right support, determination,
and perseverance, anything is possible.
Tags: Cal Law Pathway, Mesa Alumni
