Paralegal Degree - easier to get hired with it, or job experience more desirable?

I am going to school to get my AAS in Paralegal Studies. I worked at a law office as a Legal Secretary/Receptionist for a year and a half. I drafted estate planning doents, drafted/filed doents for incorporating businesses, drafted letters and correspondence, ran errands, filed papers with the court, etc. I am not sure if what i did would be considered more legal secretary or receptionist type duties. I am worried that after I get my degree, I wont have enough job experience to get hired. I have heard that even with a certificate/degree, it may be hard for a Paralegal to get hired without the actual experience. I know I have SOME experience, so I am wondering what my chances will be once I have the degree? Any Paralegals out there willing to give me some advice? Do you have a degree or experience? I recently got turned down a legal secretary job because another applicant had more experience, but i was told that I was a close 2nd and "almost" got the job. Any advice?