Crime in America: Its Effect on Me by Delaney

Crime in America: Its Effect on Me by Delaney - September 2017 Scholarship Essay

Going into my junior year of high school, I had a vague interest in the world of crime, but not from the side of the juvenile. I was intrigued from the side of law enforcement, intrigued by the ones that were fighting crime, chasing criminals, determining why they committed such acts, and ultimately delivering justice. I wasn’t quite sure what led to the fascination I felt when reading and hearing about crime. I began to think that I may be interested in law enforcement as a career, but wasn’t yet interested enough to know for sure. This led to my decision to take Introduction to Criminal Justice through dual enrollment. And what a decision that turned out to be.
Throughout the duration of the course, I learned about the basics of the law, policing, the court system, and the corrections system. This included discussions about police ethics and responsibilities, court rules and procedures, and culture and operation of the prison system. And here my fascination manifested itself further in me. I read ahead for every chapter, completed work early, researched above and beyond what was required, and did an abundance of extra course related work on my own time. I had been sucked into the system and couldn’t escape.
After excelling in that class, I began to shift my career focus to federal law enforcement. Ever since then, that has been my plan. When starting my college search, I centered it around colleges that have exceptional criminal justice and psychology programs, as I intend to double major in those areas. As I am also interested in psychology, I want to get inside the mind of a criminal, to know what they’re thinking, to know why they do it, and to ultimately get one step ahead of them, leading to their demise. This college search that began over a year ago put one school in mind and it remains my number one option for college.
This newfound passion of mine through Intro to Criminal Justice also led me to pursue an internship in the law enforcement field. Through the Talented and Gifted Program at my high school, I began an internship this August with the local Johns Creek Police Department. I go to the department twice a week, for an average of 6.5 hours per week. I work primarily with the Criminal Investigations Division but also have a chance to work with other units such as narcotics, patrol, traffic, K-9, Crime Scene Investigation, and more. I am not just standing around and filing paperwork but am actively watching and participating in events, taking notes, and experiencing it to the fullest. After only a month, my desire and fascination has again been affirmed and I am interested now more than ever to pursue and degree in psychology and criminal justice and to continue on to work in law enforcement at the federal level.
Although I was curious before, my Intro to Criminal Justice course, that elective I chose to take, sparked that interest and lit a fire in me that has turned into a burning career desire. It changed the course of my education and has shaped what my higher education, college experience, and future is going to look like. I am thankful that I decided to take that course and thankful for where it has led me thus far.