Florida State College Of Criminology & Criminal Justice

What has your experience as an undergraduate student in Criminology and Criminal Justice been like?
It has been nothing short of amazing. I was immediately struck by the friendliness and professionalism of all the criminology faculty and students I met. The program is very comprehensive, and there is a good variety of class topics. I never have a problem finding something I'm interested in learning about.

How does being a crim major connect with your role as student body president?
Most people wouldn't necessarily think that my job as student body president is related to criminology, but they have similarities. Criminology is very inquisitive and investigative in nature; its students have to reach beyond the normal scope of thought. As student body president, I have to conduct research that considers all aspects of how various issues will affect students. I don't approach decision making as if I already know the answers.

How has what you've learned in your criminology coursework helped you in your duties as the student government president?
The coursework has helped me realize that the world is often connected in unexpected ways. I've found that across criminology topics and classes, many variables are related. I use this knowledge in my approach to student government. Sometimes working on even the smallest issue has a far-reaching impact on many students.

What advice would you offer other crim majors regarding college success and involvement?
Decide what you want to do in life and lay out a plan early in college. Once you have a specific plan, it will be easier to focus on the elements that will lead to its realization. FSU shouldn't be a place where you just go to college. It should be a place where you experience college. Take the opportunity to get involved on campus. College is what you put into it. Through involvement on campus, the lessons and experiences you gain will be extremely valuable in life.

What are your plans after graduation?
I want to be involved in foreign relations within the federal government. I haven't decided whether to attend graduate school right after graduation, but I am considering it. Ultimately I would love to work within the Department of State and maybe one day serve as an ambassador.

What do you like most about the College of Criminology and Criminal Justice?
I like the faculty, staff, and most importantly the students. The faculty are always friendly and willing to help as long as students ask for it. We are proud to have such a distinguished faculty at the College, and the program truly stands out as one of the best in the country. The students often have similar dreams and ambitions, which is great because it creates a strong support network for them. Students often share ideas about research and what they want to do when they graduate. Crim students motivate each other to go further than they could ever imagine.

What do you see as opportunities for change?
Perhaps the biggest change comes from our current economic climate. This will be a challenging but opportunity-filled year for students. With pending budget cuts and a scarcity of jobs, students need to figure out ways to distinguish themselves. As an institution, FSU needs to equip students with the necessary resources to pursue their own passions and ideas. The building blocks are in place, and we are intent on moving forward.

What advice would you offer students earning a degree in Criminology?
Take advantage of the outstanding program we have here. Reach out to professors, build a connection with them and learn all that you can. The more you learn, the better your ability to decide where you want to go after college and what the best route to get there will be. Work hard, stay dedicated, and you will accomplish your dreams.

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