What brought you to UNI?

I did a tour of UNI during my senior year of high school and was fortunate to have a tour guide who was a criminology student. She explained how good of a criminology program they had at UNI and I met with one of the criminology professors. I went to Hawkeye Community College before attending UNI, but another thing I loved was how smooth of a transition it was to transfer. I was able to live on UNI’s campus while attending Hawkeye so I was able to learn campus and make friends prior to transferring. Also, all of my college credits transferred over smoothly. 

How did you become interested in your major? 

I became interested in my major when I got to high school. Freshman year of high school I was looking for jobs where I could help people. I was looking at jobs to work in a hospital and other first responder jobs. My second cousin is a police officer in Marion, Iowa, and I decided to do a few ride-alongs with him. I learned a lot and fell in love with this profession. I wanted a profession where I could help people, keep my community safe, and promote safety. I was able to get my EMT certification while attending Hawkeye Community College so I work as an EMT and help people in other ways as well. 

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI?

What I enjoyed most about attending UNI was how it is a university, but doesn’t feel largely overwhelming. I came from a small town in Iowa where you know everyone. I wanted to attend a college where I didn’t feel like a number. At UNI the professors know your name and help you in any way you need. I am also very grateful I was able to live in the dorms while I was attending Hawkeye. Because of this, I was able to meet some lifelong friends who I might not have met if I wasn’t allowed to be on campus. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom?

I am involved outside of the classroom by working two part-time jobs. I also have done two internships related to my major. I work as an EMT which I find very rewarding. I get to help people who are sick or injured and be able to take care of them. I feel that this job has also prepared me for a law enforcement career. I also work another part-time job doing maintenance and lawn care to make some extra money. I have done an internship with the Hudson Police Department and Federal Marshals. Both internships were amazing because I was able to learn about law enforcement at the city and federal level. I also worked closely with the Iowa State Patrol in both internships. 

Post-graduation plans?

After I graduate in May, I am planning on becoming an Iowa State Trooper. I am currently in the process of becoming a trooper and will be attending the academy this fall. 

What excites you about your plans? 

What excites me about becoming an Iowa State Trooper is being able to promote traffic safety. In Iowa, we average around 300 traffic fatalities a year. I personally have known individuals who have been one of those 300. I want to be a part of an organization that helps to prevent instances like those from happening. 

How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans?

UNI has prepared me for my post-graduation plans through the courses that I have taken and the resources provided to us. All of my classes have helped me learn more about my profession in a deeper sense and will help me apply these skills within my career. All of the resources provided to us also has prepared me for my post-graduation plans. I have done mock interviews, resume writing, and career fairs to help with post-graduation. I am also in a class this semester where different professions within criminal justice come and speak to us. We are given ample amount of opportunities and resources to move forward in our careers. 

What advice would you give to high school seniors (and/or transfer students)?

Get active either through UNI or outside of college. My roommates are involved in a lot of clubs and organizations through UNI. They love these clubs and organizations and have made really good friends through it. I was more active outside of college doing internships and working. Everything I have done has definitely benefited me and continues to benefit me as I work towards my career. Another thing I would recommend is getting to know your professors. They are there to help you succeed and will support you in whatever you choose to do. This is a great program to transfer into and gives you large opportunities to grow.