As the saying goes: success is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. As part of Rio Salado College’s Class of 2026 graduates, Zoe Annika Barton knows the value of hard work. With 92 class credits, an associate degree, and a paralegal certificate of completion under her belt, Barton’s commitment to education and creating opportunities for herself speaks for itself.
“Perseverance is essential in the pursuit of one’s goals, regardless of the challenges that may arise,” she said. “I have overcome significant obstacles, including being raised by a single mother, while working diligently to attend academically rigorous private schools in the Valley.”
Barton has long felt drawn to the legal field and found the paralegal program at Rio to be a great way to prepare herself for practicing law in the future and serving her community.
“The courses I completed at Rio Salado have served as essential building blocks for my law school journey,” Barton said. “I found the coursework both meaningful and directly relevant to my long-term objective of working in a legal setting. The online program was both flexible and affordable, making it an ideal fit for my schedule.”
While Barton credits part of her success to her growth mindset and her enthusiasm for the material, she is also quick to share her wins with her family and friends. For this graduate, it was the unwavering support of her loved one that gave her the will and drive to finish what she started.
“Their encouragement kept me focused and motivated throughout my academic journey,” Barton said. “My grandmother inspired me to continually challenge myself, my mother’s positivity helped me envision my achievements, and my brother’s support strengthened my determination to succeed.”
The paralegal graduate also felt very supported by her instructors and Rio staff.
“The consistent encouragement and positive feedback from my professors further reinforced my confidence,” she said. “One professor commented on one of my final papers, saying that it was ‘extremely well done; one of the most accurate, thorough, and well cited finals’ they had seen.”
Reflecting on her time at Rio Salado, Barton feels like she has the tools and knowledge she’ll need to move forward.
“I’m confident that I will be well-prepared to work in a law firm and assist individuals seeking legal guidance and services.”
Looking into the future, Barton has charted a path for herself that will take her toward becoming a practicing lawyer. For Barton, the true value of education lies in how the knowledge she’s acquired at Rio Salado can be applied to make a meaningful impact.
“My long-term goal is to obtain a Juris Doctor degree with a focus on intellectual property law,” Barton said. “Following law school, I aspire to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to higher education for children and supporting the broader needs of my community.”
Article by Austin Brietta