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Sierra Smith

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Finalist

Bio

My life goals are to graduate from my dream school of Sam Houston State University with a degree in Criminal Justice, and after I graduate I want to obtain a job as a Federal Marshal in the state of Texas. I would describe myself as someone who never backs down and isn't afraid to fight for what I deem is right to me or others. I am an advocate for speaking for those who are too afraid to speak up. After college I want to travel with my work and I want to live a fruitful life within my career.

Education

Sam Houston State University

Bachelor's degree program
2023 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General

Ingleside High School

High School
2019 - 2023

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Master's degree program

  • Majors of interest:

    • Criminal Justice and Corrections, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Law Enforcement

    • Dream career goals:

      Federal Marshal

    • Telecommunicator

      City of Rockport
      2025 – Present1 year
    • Sales Associate

      Flamingo Ranch Boutique
      2023 – 20252 years
    • Sales Associate

      James Avery Artisan Jewlery
      2022 – 20231 year
    • Sports Venue Cashier

      City of Portland Texas
      2021 – 20232 years

    Sports

    Volleyball

    Junior Varsity
    2019 – 20201 year

    Awards

    • Team Co-Captain

    Research

    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions

      2020 – 2021

    Arts

    • Painting
      2019 – 2020

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Girl Scouts — Ambassador
      2010 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Politics

    Volunteering

    Detective Sergeant Robert Feliciano “IMPACT” Scholarship
    One of the most impactful people in my life has been my dispatch supervisor from my current 911 dispatch work. Her leadership and passion for public service has shaped my views on accountability, integrity and earning the public's trust. Chelsi leads by example and displays her commitment to public service at her highest point during our most stressful moments. She helps employees understand the role that we play and inspires us to help others understand that every call that comes through the radio is someone in crisis and deserves our best service possible. Drawing on years of experience learning lawn and golf professional instruction has helped to instill patience in my interactions with the public. My instructors taught me to be calm, methodical, and persistent when faced with adversity, under pressure and in the eyes of an audience. This tenacity translates extremely well to the field of law enforcement and allows me to think calmly and respond methodically to ever-changing and volatile situations. Pausing a split second to think before speaking, or to listen more intently before understanding an issue can mean the difference between a problematic situation turning disastrous, or simply and safely passing it over. Additionally, these skills help me to relate to and interact more effectively with the public to de-escalate situations before they become volatile. In addition to observing the high standards that Chelsi holds for herself with respect to her work, I also saw how these same standards influenced her views on accountability. To Chelsi, accountability is not merely one of several values that she expects her colleagues to abide by; it is a guiding principle in her life and work. She offered the thoughtful insight that public trust is not automatically granted, but rather is earned daily through the fair, honest, and ethical police service officers provide in challenging circumstances. Her words have shaped my perception of the law enforcement officer’s role, particularly with respect to maintaining a proper demeanor and striving to comply with the law in an ethical manner. I really enjoyed learning habits of calm, active listening, and accountability. With my future goals of getting into any law enforcement related job, these are qualities that I will continue to work on in order to make a positive contribution to the community. By striving to be a professional, empathetic, and integral police officer, my hope is to help maintain safe and healthy communities while at the same time bettering relationships with the public.
    Public Service Scholarship of the Law Office of Shane Kadlec
    I've always been fascinated by the law because of its unique blend of public service, accountability, and problem-solving. What really draws me in is how the law can have a direct impact on people's lives, providing a clear framework for resolving conflicts, protecting individual rights, and maintaining order in complex situations. I'm particularly attracted to the legal profession because it demands a combination of critical thinking, ethical judgment, and effective communication - skills that I've been actively developing through my education and professional experiences. The fact that lawyers need to think critically, make sound judgments, and communicate clearly, even in high-pressure situations, really appeals to me. My experience as a 911 dispatcher had a big impact on my decision to become a lawyer. I worked in telecommunications for a year and was usually the first-person people talked to in emergency situations. I had to get accurate information quickly, make tough decisions fast, and work with police, fire, and medical teams. This job showed me how laws, policies, and procedures work in real life and what happens when they do or don't work well. I saw firsthand how these systems can affect people's lives, especially when they're most vulnerable. My experience in emergency communications taught me to stay calm and think clearly, even when things get tough. I also became more empathetic and understanding, which helped me connect with people in difficult situations. Working in this field made me appreciate the importance of fair procedures, clear laws, and effective advocacy, especially when public safety and individual rights are at stake. I saw firsthand how legal decisions affect the way emergency responders do their jobs and how crucial it is for lawmakers, judges, and law enforcers to consider the real-world impact of their decisions. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of the law and its effects on people's lives, and I learned to approach complex situations with a calm and analytical mind. I want to be in a law career path because I'm tired of just reacting to problems - I want to help come up with solutions. My experience in telecommunications has taught me a lot about being responsible, making tough decisions, and serving the public, and I plan to use these skills to become a great legal professional. I'm excited to take my skills to the next level and make a real difference in people's lives. By studying law, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the legal system and how I can use my skills to make a positive impact. I'm looking forward to this new challenge and the opportunity to help shape solutions to the problems that matter most.
    Taylor Swift ‘1989’ Fan Scholarship
    "Out of the Woods" is my favorite song from Taylor Swift's album '1989' for several reasons. First and foremost, the lyrics are incredibly relatable and evoke strong emotions that many people can connect with. The song tells the story of a tumultuous relationship filled with uncertainty, perfectly capturing the feeling of being unsure if you're truly out of the woods or if more challenges lie ahead. This type of vulnerability in her storytelling allows listeners to empathize with her experiences and creates a sense of camaraderie between Taylor and her audience. Secondly, I appreciate the unique sound and production style present in "Out of the Woods." Produced by Jack Antonoff, this track stands out from other songs on the album due to its synth-pop soundscapes and catchy chorus. The layered vocal harmonies combined with driving percussion create an anthemic quality that makes it impossible not to sing along. Additionally, this particular collaboration between Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff marked a new direction in her music career – one that she would continue exploring throughout future projects. Another aspect that draws me to "Out of the Woods" is how well it showcases Taylor Swift's growth as an artist. While still maintaining her signature talent for storytelling, she pushes herself outside her comfort zone both musically and lyrically in this track. By tackling a less straightforward narrative structure compared to previous works, she demonstrates her willingness to evolve as a songwriter while staying true to what made fans fall in love with her music in the first place. Furthermore, "Out of the Woods" holds a special place in my heart because it serves as a reminder that even when life throws obstacles our way, we can find strength within ourselves to overcome them. The repeated question "Are we out of the woods yet?" symbolizes not only the uncertainty faced within romantic relationships but also speaks to broader struggles we all experience at various points in our lives. In this way, "Out of the Woods" represents a message of hope, resilience, and self-discovery. "Out of the Woods" is my favorite song from Taylor Swift's '1989' album due to its relatable lyrics, unique sound, demonstration of artistic growth, and inspiring message. This track encapsulates many aspects that make Taylor Swift an exceptional songwriter and artist. It serves as a testament to her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level while continuing to innovate within the ever-evolving landscape of popular music. In conclusion, "Out of the Woods" stands out as a favorite song from Taylor Swift's '1989' album for its relatability, distinct sound, and representation of artistic growth. The track resonates with listeners by conveying a powerful message of hope, resilience, and self-discovery that speaks to universal human experiences. As an exceptional songwriter and artist, Taylor Swift continues to connect with her audience on a profound level while adapting her craft within the dynamic world of popular music.
    Operation 11 Tyler Schaeffer Memorial Scholarship
    Upon obtaining my degree in Criminal Justice, I plan to utilize the education and skills acquired to make a positive impact on individuals within the community who are in need. One of the primary ways I intend to achieve this is by pursuing a career as a probation officer, where I can actively work with offenders toward rehabilitation and reintegration into society. By closely monitoring their progress and providing them with guidance, resources, and support, I believe that they will have a better chance at turning their lives around and becoming productive members of the community. Another avenue through which I aim to help those in need is by volunteering at local non-profit organizations that focus on assisting marginalized populations such as low-income families, homeless individuals, or victims of domestic violence. Through these volunteer opportunities, I will be able to apply my knowledge of criminal justice principles to devise strategies for crime prevention and reduction within these vulnerable communities. This proactive approach will not only contribute to increased safety but also promote overall well-being among residents. Furthermore, I am passionate about advocating for criminal justice reform initiatives that address systemic issues within our current system. For instance, promoting alternatives to incarceration like diversion programs or restorative justice practices could significantly benefit both offenders and the wider community by emphasizing rehabilitation rather than punishment. In addition to lobbying for policy changes at various levels of government, I hope to participate in public awareness campaigns that educate people about the importance of comprehensive criminal justice reform efforts. In tandem with my professional aspirations, I also recognize the value of mentorship in fostering positive change among those in need. To this end, I plan on participating in mentoring programs designed for at-risk youth or newly released ex-offenders seeking direction and support during their transition back into society. Sharing my own experiences while drawing upon my expertise in criminal justice will enable me to provide valuable insights and advice aimed at steering them away from potential pitfalls leading back into criminal activities. Ultimately, my goal is not merely limited to helping those directly involved in the justice system but extends to creating safer, healthier communities for everyone. By using my degree in Criminal Justice as a catalyst for change, I am committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of those who are struggling and need assistance. Through a combination of professional pursuits, volunteer work, advocacy efforts, and mentorship initiatives, I am confident that I can contribute meaningfully towards achieving this objective while simultaneously enriching my understanding of the complex issues surrounding criminal justice reform. In conclusion, pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice is not just about personal growth and career development, but also about making a positive impact on society as a whole. By combining education, professional experience, and community involvement, individuals with this background can play an integral role in addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and promoting rehabilitation for those who have been entangled in the justice system. As we strive to create safer communities and foster meaningful change within our society, we must remain committed to helping those most vulnerable to crime-related issues and supporting them on their journey toward a brighter future.
    #Back2SchoolBold Scholarship
    My back to school tip is that procrastination will be your worst enemy. Waiting until the day an assignment is due will be so detrimental to your mental health, and will affect you negatively later in life. Always work on and/or finish an assignment at least one day before it is due. I promise that procrastination will never be your friend and it will always bring you down. Instagram - arr3is
    "A State of Mind" Texas Scholarship
    Being a Texan means to use your "Texas-sized" heart and be kind to others, and to always be there for those that need you. Treat people with respect, eat a Whataburger once in a while, drive a little crazy, and drink some sweet iced tea. We wouldn't be the Texas that we are today without the deep love we have for our state. We love our flag, we love our food, we love our people, we love Texas. To me, being a Texan means to never back down from a fight but to still always be a friendly face. I respect my parents and I am constantly lending out a helping hand any chance I can. When people need a hug or just a shoulder to cry on they know that they can count on me to be there for them. We wouldn't be the Texas that we are today without the deep love we have for our state. I love our flag, I love our food, I love our people, and I love Texas.
    Bold Patience Matters Scholarship
    Patience is a luxury that not many can afford. People cannot practice patience because they were never taught it. At a young age my parents taught me to respect others, don't be impatient, and be kind. I call those "The Magic 3". There has never been a day where I don't follow The Magic 3. For example, when I was 7 someone in my class was picking on me. They would make fun of my teeth and then my hair, sometimes even my clothes. I went home that day and cried to my mom about all the mean things that they would say to me. That was the day my mom taught me to be patient because one day they'll want to be my friend or maybe even more. So, I ignored them for a week until they finally just stopped bothering me suddenly. Then, in 7th grade the same person that would poke fun at me for my teeth saw I had gotten braces during the summer and they decided I was cool enough for them. A week later they had added me on SnapChat and we became close friends and are still close friends. Patience is key and no matter what you may experience, with just a little patience something positive can happen.
    Bold Love Yourself Scholarship
    One thing I love about myself is my ability to always be who I am no matter who I’m around. I act the same around my sister as I do around my principle. I treat everyone with the utmost respect even when some believe that they shouldn’t. No one is unworthy of the respect and good treatment from others. I love that I am resilient. I refuse to let the hateful words of people bring me down to their level. To me, it doesn’t matter if they call me ugly or fat, I know that I will always win with kindness. I know that I spread nothing but positivity and love that comes directly from the bottom of my heart. I love the way my hair blows in the wind, I love the way my feet look after a pedicure, I love how my nose perfectly fits my face, and I love me. I love who I am and I always will.
    Bold Community Activist Scholarship
    All around me is nothing but positivity because that's what I choose to surround myself with. I choose, for myself, to not let negative people influence my way of life. I make my town just a little bit more positive by being deeply involved in my town's Girl Scout program. I have been in Girl Scouts for 11 years and am now at the highest rank that a girl under 18 can achieve. I have both my Bronze and Silver Award and I am working towards earning my Gold Award. I help plan things for my town like National Night Out, Movie in the Park, Light up the Park, and an annual Trunk or Treat. I work closely with law enforcement, the Chamber of Commerce, and also City Hall to ensure that my community gets the most out of their city-wide events. All of these activities have boosted the positive morale in my Texan-sized small town!