Gus Downing Retail Loss Prevention & Safety Scholarship

Ever since I was a little girl, my dream job has been to be a cop, and to this day it is still my aim. I took my first Criminal Justice class through my senior year of high school. AJ50 (said class) was taught by Chief Kinnan, the chief of Auburn Police Department in northern California; this is where I knew that law enforcement was the path that was meant for me, and not just a dream. I knew that I needed to do everything in my power to make my dream a reality. In high school I graduated with honors, while taking college and AP classes, playing two competitive sports, and working two-three different jobs at once. I then transferred to Sierra Community College where I graduated in a year with Honors and an Associates in Criminal Justice. At Sierra I was fortunate enough to make connections with different professionals across the criminal justice system; among them were multiple different probation officers, the Chief Assistant District Attorney of Placer County, and a former homicide detective for Sacramento Sheriffs Office. Through these connections I was able to secure an intern position at Placer County DA's Office with the Victim Advocates over the summer. I was in charge of sending out communication to victims of all different kinds of crime, as well as assisting in shadowing victims in court. I believe my time as a Victim Advocate was incredibly important for my future goals. This position opened my eyes, and allowed me to practice empathy towards a victim. I think so often when we think of crime, we are so focused on the 'whodunnit' aspect we forget that there is a victim, and the emotional toil that can bring. I am currently attending Harding University to obtain my Bachelors in International Business and Finance, and I am on track to graduate in three years with 75% of my MBA completed while maintaining Deans List. After I graduate I will either go into the Academy where I would then go into the FBI, or directly go to the FBI to fight white collar crime at the federal level. I have already begun working on making connections with the FBI office close to my home in Roseville, CA; as well in other areas like Ohio and Arkansas. Not only, do I want to fight white collar crime, I would like to set up defenses within the community itself; my other dream is to set up non-profit organizations in under served communities to educate people in financial literacy and competency to set them up successfully. Service is something that has always been engrained in me since a young age, whether that be volunteering through church or giving money to the homeless on the street. I truly believe that service is something that should be pursued regardless of where we are in life, as an individual it is our moral obligation to help those in need with the gifts that have been bestowed upon us. I do not know why that little five year old girl wanted to be a cop and not a ballerina or princess (though those are cool to). But this I know with all my heart, sometimes dreams are written on our souls from the start, and it is up to us to make them a reality. It has been hard working 2-3 jobs at once, and taking the max amount of credits, and staying up late applying to scholarships. But it has been worth every step of the way, if it means making that dream a reality.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been driven by a deep desire to understand people, protect the vulnerable, and stand up for what’s right—even when it’s hard. That desire has shaped every part of my educational journey and inspired the goals I now chase with everything I have. Academically, I’ve always been a high-achiever, not just in terms of grades, but in the way I apply myself to learning. I’m a strong, curious student who loves digging into subjects like psychology and criminal justice. I’ve taken the initiative to join programs beyond the classroom, like the Police Academy Explorers Program, which has introduced me to real-world training, structure, and the kind of teamwork that law enforcement requires. Through the Explorers Club, I’ve developed leadership skills and been given the opportunity to learn from professionals who do this work every day. These programs have been life-changing—they’ve confirmed for me that this path is more than a dream; it’s a calling. Career-wise, I’m aiming to work in law enforcement, either as a police officer or eventually with the FBI or SWAT. I want to be on the front lines—not just fighting crime, but helping people, building trust in communities, and being someone others can count on when it matters most. What inspires me the most is the power of empathy and integrity in positions of authority. I want to bring both of those to the table in everything I do. In my community, I’ve always tried to give back however I can. Whether it’s volunteering locally, helping with community clean-ups, or simply being someone who listens and shows up for others—I take pride in being dependable and kind. I believe real change starts with small actions, and I try to live that every day. I also help take care of my younger siblings, support my parents around the house, and contribute where I can to ease the load—it’s part of what makes me who I am. Financially, my family qualifies for free and reduced meals, and we live on a modest income between $40,000 and $60,000 a year. My parents work incredibly hard, but affording higher education is still a real challenge. A scholarship like this would mean more than just financial relief—it would mean opportunity. It would give me the chance to focus on building a future without the constant fear of how we’ll afford it. It would allow me to keep showing up in my community, pursuing my goals, and being an example for others like me. As for why I deserve this scholarship—I would say this: I’m not perfect, but I’m determined. I’ve worked through personal challenges, kept my eyes on the future, and built a strong foundation from the ground up. I’ve learned how to adapt, how to lead, and how to fight for the life I want. What sets me apart is my heart. I care deeply about people, and I want to use my life to protect them, support them, and stand in the gap when no one else will. This scholarship would help me not just continue my education—but turn my vision into action. Thank you for considering me.

From Turmoil to Purpose: My Path to Protecting and Serving My childhood was marked by instability. At the age of eight, I entered foster care, a journey that lasted until I was sixteen. School became a struggle; my report cards filled with D’s and F’s as I simply tried to survive each day with no clear direction. The constant moving throughout foster care made it difficult to establish any sense of normalcy. By thirteen, I had lived in seventeen homes, attending ten schools. Each move brought new challenges, preventing me from building lasting relationships or maintaining academic consistency. My therapists encouraged me to write my life story. This became more than just an exercise; it was a chronicle of survival, documenting each address and the people I lived with. It also served as a vital record, helping me keep track of my brothers in a world that constantly shifted beneath our feet. Early in 2020, my life took a significant turn when I learned my plan was changing from reunification to adoption. The prospect of a stable, permanent home was a beacon of hope. At sixteen I was adopted. While not a miraculous fix, it was a pivotal moment. For the first time, I had a real home and a stable family who believed in my potential, even when I couldn't see it myself. Slowly, I began to approach school with a renewed perspective, even finding enjoyment in learning. More importantly, my mindset shifted; I discovered the satisfaction of success and the motivation to keep pushing myself. This newfound stability and self-belief ignited a strong aspiration within me: to help others. For the past several years, my goal has been clear and steady: to become a police officer. I am driven by a deep desire to protect individuals and contribute positively to my community. I understand that law enforcement is a demanding profession, requiring courage, integrity, and resilience. However, I am certain it's a path where I can genuinely make a difference, uphold justice and serve those in need. I am currently pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, then attend a police academy. I am prepared for the physical and mental demands of the academy. Beyond that, I envision a career dedicated to community-oriented policing, focusing on building trust and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the public. I'm particularly interested in areas like juvenile outreach or victim advocacy, where I can leverage my personal journey to connect with and support those who may feel marginalized or unheard. My life experiences have taught me the importance of perseverance, resilience, and believing in one's potential, even when faced with obstacles. I am fully prepared for the academic demands of college. My journey from a child navigating instability to an adult with a clear purpose is now a real possibility. Receiving the stable foundation I desperately needed has enabled me to not only dream but also to pursue those dreams with confidence and determination. This scholarship will help me achieve my dreams, benefiting me by reducing the financial stress of tuition and living costs. I can focus more on my studies, allowing me to better balance school with time for my loved ones, ensuring I remain a supportive family member. This scholarship is an investment in my future as a criminal justice professional and, eventually, as a police officer. Thank you for considering my application.