Things Change by Breanna

Things Change by Breanna - June 2017 Scholarship Essay

When I was little and even now, I have always like animals. I used to like to play with my neighbor's pets. She had rabbits, cats, dogs, and a bird. For a while I had an aquarium and a dog who was half Australian Sheep Dog and Half Golden Retriever. His name was Bubbles. So when I was 6 years old, I thought that I wanted to be a veterinarian until my mom told me that I would have to deal with snakes. I don't like snakes so that has since changed. Since then I have went from wanting to be a veterinarian, a singer, a forensic technician, to a lobbyist.

As I got to be around the 4th grade, I wanted to be a singer. When I was little, Showtime at the Apollo used to come on, and I used to like to watch the kids sing. I have even sang in my school choir in the 4th grade and then again my senior year in high school. What changed my mind is having to sing in front of people. I am a soprano, but I wish my voice had a little more bass in it to support my lower register. I am also an introvert who doesn't like singing in front of people alone so that dream has since left.

In high school I became interested in forensics while watching crime shows, and I had a friend who was interested in it. During my senior year in high school, I had to write a paper on what I wanted to do when I got older. Part of the requirements was to interview someone in the field to see what it takes to get there. I went to the Escambia County Sheriff's Office, and many of their employees graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University. That is also how I ended up with a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Criminal Justice. I have since interviewed for two forensics position. The first position was with a pathologist who does autopsies. I really wanted that position, but it didn't pay much. During the interviewing process, the director gave me the "this doesn't pay much" speech because I have a Masters Degree. I didn't get that job. I have also interviewed for a Latent Print Examiner job that paid very well. I think my lack of experience with fingerprints is what mostly hurt my chances. I am still interested in forensics, but I see it may not be for me.

In 2016 I had a job interview for a position that I would've been good for. To me the pay was fine. The director of the facility told me that they weren't able to pay me what I'm worth. She told me if I go back to school, to go back for Law or Counseling. Law school is something that multiple people have brought up to me. I had considered making that move, but dragged my feet. In 2013, as a Legislative Intern a lawyer asked me if I wanted to go to law school. I had a former supervisor who pushed me to go. The getting turned down for a job was my sign that I should probably have listened years ago. During my 2013 internship I liked seeing how lobbyists presented issues to legislators to help pass legislation. As a law enforcement dispatcher in 2016, I was able to see what law enforcement goes through behind the scenes. While dispatching for law enforcement, I also had to communicate with the Department of Forensic Sciences which made me see what they go through also. After seeing that and finally paying attention to the signs, I see that lobbying is where I should be. I am observant, articulate, and outspoken which makes me a good fit for that field of work.

In conclusion, the 6 year old me had to come to terms with my fear of snakes. I realized over time that singing is not for someone who doesn't like singing in public. Even though forensics is where my interests are, I see that it isn't meant for me. I am happy with my decision to pursue law school to use my natural talents to make a difference as a lobbyist.