My first introduction to the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) was through an Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) summer program that took place at USG back when I was still in high school. I fell in love with USG immediately and ever since then I knew I wanted to walk the campus as a student one day.
During my senior year of high school, I made the decision that I was going attend Montgomery College (MC), and then transfer into the Criminology and Criminal Justice program through the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) at USG to complete my bachelor’s degree. A few semesters and a lot of hard work later, I made that dream into a reality.
I was interested in forensics, sociology, psychology, and law enforcement, and I knew that UMCP had one of the best criminology/criminal justice programs in the nation. After some consideration, it became a no-brainer that this program was the perfect fit for me. The stunning campus, top-notch professors, and a student life and community that feels more like a family, reassures me every day that I made the right choice to complete my degree on the USG campus.
During my time at USG, I continued to be an ACES scholar and became the president of CRIMSA, a student organization for those interested in criminology and criminal justice. Both these organizations have helped cultivate and improve my communication, confidence and leadership skills.
My goal is to become a police officer — I find joy and peace in living a life of service. I know that I can put my skills and knowledge that I gained at USG into providing exemplary service to my community. Long-term, I want to work in an investigative capacity working to solve and combat major crimes. Thanks to the amazing advisors and staff I met during my time here at USG, I feel prepared to take on any challenge and adapt and overcome any hardship.