When Ka Yu Cynthia Cheung arrived in Canada from Hong Kong, she brought a passion for justice and legal advocacy with her, sparked by the political unrest she witnessed back home. Now a student in Centennial College’s accredited Paralegal program in Toronto, Cynthia is turning that passion into a legal career in Canada.
In this interview, she shares how her journey led her to Centennial College, and how the program’s hands-on paralegal training and real-world legal experience are preparing her to make a meaningful impact in the Canadian legal field.
The Moment That Decided Her Legal Career
“I’ve had a dream to become a lawyer since I was a little kid,” Cynthia says, thinking back to the political turmoil of her teenage years in Hong Kong.
“It showed me how people could be suppressed because of changes in law,” she explains, “and it made me see the impact of how legal systems can create a great community, or destroy it at the same time.”
“It wasn't just a political shift, it was pretty personal,” she adds. “So, that's when I decided that I wanted to become someone who could fight back. Not with violence and anger, but with knowledge, advocacy, and also the power of the legal system. I wanted to be a voice for those who can't really speak freely, and to help ensure that law protects rather than opposes.”
Why She Chose Centennial College’s Paralegal Diploma Program
“Canada stood out to me as a place where people can pursue their Canadian dream,” Cynthia says about her decision to come here to study law in Canada. Having family in Canada helped, but there was more to it than that.
“Canada's known for being very fair, just and welcoming—especially to people with diverse backgrounds,” she says. “As somebody passionate about law, I really admire the Canadian legal system, as it has a strong foundation of justice and equality compared to other countries.”
“I was also drawn to Canada because of the permanent residency pathway that is available for Hong Kong citizens or residents,” she adds. “The program that I'm enrolled with aligns with the criteria of the pathway, which adds a sense of long-term purpose and opportunity to my studies.”
“And as for Centennial College?” Cynthia says, “I actually turned down admission at four universities for Centennial College.”
“It's a very well-organized school, and I see how much material support the school puts into developing students in the legal studies and paralegal field,” she continues. “I think this program offers a practical entry point into law. It gives me chances to explore whether law is really the right path for me. And so far, I really think it is. I have found the paralegal coursework really engaging and meaningful, and I am really excited to see where it leads.”
On the Practical Experience the Paralegal Program Gave Her
“I love that about my program,” Cynthia says about how it delivers legal training beyond the classroom. “Sometimes sitting in class, learning about the theoretical stuff is not bad. I find that interesting. But having practical experience, like attending court hearings on my own to finish an assignment, or going to events at the CLA, the Centennial Law Association, are really fun, and a great way to understand what I'm getting myself into.”
“First semester, there was the CLA Moot Cup,” she says, listing off events. “Then I also went to an Osgoode Hall field trip. It was really fun, too, as Osgoode Hall is such a pretty place, and it let us know what the courts in Canada really look like.”
“In the winter semester, I went to a a Small Claims Court hearing in Toronto for a project,” she continues. “It was eye-opening to simply sit in and observe how the entire hearing unfolded. In my second semester, I also took part in a Legal Networking Event hosted by the CLA, which was an equally valuable experience. And lastly, the Ontario Court of Justice field trip stood out. I watched several hearings in one day and got a real sense of how efficiently and effectively the court system operates.”
The Most Important Things She Learned
“I would say the importance of networking in the legal field,” Cynthia says. “Over the past two semesters, I've come to understand that building relationships and connecting with legal professionals in Canada is just as important as academic success.”
“Through professors and the CLA, Centennial College created an environment that fosters student growth beyond the classroom,” she says. “By regularly organizing networking events, it has really become a cornerstone of the whole experience for me. These events allowed me to connect with experienced legal professionals, many of whom were also my professors. Their insights were really valuable in helping me understand the path I'm on.”
What’s Next in Her Legal Education Journey
“Becoming a lawyer has been such a dream of mine, and studying in the Paralegal program at Centennial College has brought me one step closer to my goal,” Cynthia says. “The next step in my academic journey is to transfer to a university and pursue a bachelor’s degree, which would prepare me for law school in Canada, since that is a requirement before taking the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). So, this path is essential for building a strong foundation before entering the legal profession as a licensed lawyer.”
“On the career side, I'm still exploring different opportunities and discovering which area of law aligns best with my interests and strengths,” she says. “I'm considering working at a Toronto law firm to gain practical experience, or possibly pursue a role as a prosecutor in the future. I really want to explore those options to better understand where I can make the most impact and fulfill my beliefs and goals in life.”
“Centennial has been very instrumental in shaping my career path, through hands-on legal courses, engaging professors and regular networking events,” she adds.
Advice for Future Paralegal Students at Centennial College
Cynthia starts her second year in the fall, but already has valuable advice for other future lawyers.
“One piece of advice that I'd like to give students who are following the same path or a similar path as me is to stay involved and take every opportunity to engage. Whether it's joining student groups, attending networking events, or simply connecting with classmates and professors, I think those are really important things that you need to work on. If you're not involved, you don't get to learn a lot of the essence of being in the legal field.”
“At the same time, I've also learned the hard way that it is equally important to listen to your body and take care of your mental health as a student,” she continues. “Burnout is such a real thing. Find a balance that works for you, and remember to take care of yourself. That is just as important as academics and career goals.”
Cynthia Cheung’s journey is a reminder of how passion, resilience, and the right support system can transform dreams into real goals. Her story reflects what makes Centennial College’s Paralegal program in Toronto stand out: its focus on practical experience, legal community engagement, and student career success.
If you’re inspired by Cynthia’s path and want to begin your own journey into the legal field, Centennial College’s Paralegal diploma program offers the legal training, resources, and professional connections you need to start your future in law.
By Anthony Geremia