I first heard about the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) when I was a senior in high school, preparing to enroll at Montgomery College (MC) for the fall of 2016. My parents and siblings had completed the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to MC to USG pathway, and with that in mind, I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunities the campus offered. While at MC, I participated in the Terp Transfer Partnership, which allowed me to meet with the program director of the Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJS) program offered by the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP) and to connect with current students at campus events.
When I stepped foot on the USG campus in Fall 2018, I knew I was at the right place to complete my undergraduate degree. First, I was fortunate to be the recipient of the Clifford and Camille Kendall Endowed Scholarship, which covered my entire tuition for both years at MC and USG. Additionally, USG was convenient and offered small classes that enabled me to develop strong relationships with my professors and classmates. I also gained greater confidence at USG through my involvement on campus, in roles such as a Student Ambassador, Orientation Leader, and a Teaching Assistant for the CCJS program director, Dr. Stickle. After graduating in May 2020 with my Bachelor of Arts in CCJS from UMCP, I felt prepared for the next chapter of my educational career.
Currently, I am obtaining my law degree from the University of Maryland’s Francis King Carey School of Law, and completing the first year of my Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore at USG. Completing a graduate program at USG has benefited me both financially and personally, as I am able to save money and use the knowledge gained from my coursework to serve Montgomery County residents. Additionally, I have returned to my role as a Student Ambassador, and am working as a Research Assistant for a distinguished social work professor. I am also spending the next year at the Montgomery County Circuit Court, Family Division Services, as a Juvenile Social Work Intern supporting local youth to fulfill court ordered sanctions and reach their goals.
Upon graduating in May 2025 from law school, I plan on pursuing a career as a juvenile defense attorney and supporting children and families impacted by the criminal justice system. I look forward to dedicating my career to social justice by using my voice inside the courtroom to advocate for my youth clients, as well as outside of the courtroom to advocate for widespread criminal and juvenile justice reform.