Hello! My name is Cameron Mitchell, a second-year, African American undergraduate student attending Concordia University Chicago. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, specifically for a career in Law Enforcement. A degree in Criminal Justice will help equip me with the tools to become an effective public servant by gaining knowledge in examining the root cause of criminal behavior, understanding how social structure influences crime, identifying how the justice system can evolve to serve everyone more equitably, and understanding the community’s impact. Earning this degree will be my foundation not only to join law enforcement but to become a leader who values both safety and social justice. I believe that with the right education and mindset, I can help shape a future where law enforcement fosters trust and works hand-in-hand with the communities it serves. While many careers offer opportunities to make a difference, I have chosen law enforcement as my path not just for the badge, the authority, or the recognition, but for the chance to change lives from the inside out, particularly at-risk youth. Offences committed by youth are on the rise. I feel the sooner you can grab hold of a young person, the more likely you may be able shift their path. I witness firsthand the challenges that at-risk youth face such as poverty, unstable home environments, exposure to drugs and violence, and a lack of positive role models. These obstacles often lead youth down paths that limit their potential and harm their communities. I have a strong desire to build trust within my community, foster meaningful relationships with the young people, and provide them with alternatives to committing crimes. I want to reach at-risk youth through early intervention, compassion, and consistent support. My passion for guiding at-risk youth comes from a deeply personal place. My father was an at-risk juvenile who spent much of his teenage years in and out of trouble. Tragically, his choices led to his death at just twenty-one years old, when I was only three. His story is a powerful reminder of where an unrighteous path can lead. I've also seen several friends from my elementary and middle school years fall into criminal lifestyles and face the consequences of their decisions. These experiences fuel my commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of young people. As a police officer, I look forward to building trusting relationships within the community, especially with at-risk youth. I plan to share my personal story, including the challenges of growing up without a father, to connect with them on a deeper level. My goal is to help them understand that the consequences of poor choices extend beyond themselves and impact their families and loved ones. If I can help just one at-risk juvenile rewrite their story, then every moment, every effort, and every risk will have been worth it. People often say I beat the odds as an African American male raised by a single mother in a city where crime was on the rise. I believe it wasn’t just about beating the odds, it was being fortunate to have strong support system and guidance, and with that, choosing a different path. I made a conscious decision to pursue righteousness; to give my best in school, athletics, and above all, to be a positive role model for my younger siblings. Though I have not had opportunity to work or volunteer in the criminal justice realm as of yet, I have begun mentoring young people. I am in my second year of working summers for my hometown city as a playground leader. My current assigned playground is an inner-city community center consisting of children aged 5-14 years old. This is just the beginning of my purpose to work with and provide guidance to our city’s youth. Thank you for your consideration. Be Blessed Always!

First, I thank and salute the brave actions and commitment of Detective Augustine Gonzalez. My name is Cameron Mitchell, a second-year undergraduate student attending Concordia University Chicago. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminology, specifically for a career in Law Enforcement. A degree in criminology will help equip me with the tools to become an effective public servant by gaining knowledge in examining the root cause of criminal behavior, understanding how social structure influences crime, identifying how the justice system can evolve to serve everyone more equitably, and understanding the community’s impact. Earning this degree will be my foundation not only to join law enforcement but to become a leader who values both safety and social justice. I believe that with the right education and mindset, I can help shape a future where law enforcement fosters trust and works hand-in-hand with the communities it serves. While many careers offer opportunities to make a difference, I have chosen law enforcement as my path not just for the badge, the authority, or the recognition, but for the chance to change lives from the inside out, particularly at-risk youth. I witness firsthand the challenges that at-risk youth face such as poverty, unstable home environments, exposure to drugs and violence, and a lack of positive role models. These obstacles often lead youth down paths that limit their potential and harm their communities. I have a strong desire to build trust within my community, foster meaningful relationships with the young people, and provide them with alternatives to committing crimes. I want to reach at-risk youth through early intervention, compassion, and consistent support. If I can help just one at-risk juvenile rewrite their story, then every moment, every effort, and every risk will have been worth it. My passion for guiding at-risk youth comes from a deeply personal place. My father was an at-risk juvenile who spent much of his teenage years in and out of trouble. Tragically, his choices led to his death at just twenty-one years old, when I was only three. His story is a powerful reminder of where an unrighteous path can lead. I've also seen several friends from my elementary and middle school years fall into criminal lifestyles and face the consequences of their decisions. These experiences fuel my commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of young people. As a police officer, I look forward to building trusting relationships within the community, especially with at-risk youth. I plan to share my personal story, including the challenges of growing up without a father, to connect with them on a deeper level. My goal is to help them understand that the consequences of poor choices extend beyond themselves and impact their families and loved ones. If I can help change the course of even one at-risk juvenile’s life, it would be a meaningful and rewarding achievement. People often say I beat the odds as an African American male raised by a single mother in a city where crime was on the rise. I believe it wasn’t just about beating the odds, it was being fortunate to have strong support system and guidance, and with that, choosing a different path. I made a conscious decision to pursue righteousness; to give my best in school, athletics, and above all, to be a positive role model for my younger siblings. Thank you for your consideration. Be Blessed!

My name is Cameron Mitchell, a soon to be first generation university student. I am currently a high school senior at Racine Lutheran High School (RLHS), preparing for my pursuit of a Criminal Justice degree, specifically for a career in Law Enforcement. I begin my story by sharing a bit about myself followed by why I chose a career path in Law Enforcement. I will be graduating spring 2024 with a GPA of 3.4. During my sophomore year I was inducted into the National Honor Society and since my freshman year, I have been a member of the student council, currently serving as Vice President. Being active in sports is important to me not only for a healthy lifestyle choice, but I also enjoy working as a team. I have been a varsity member of RLHS’s Track & Field team since freshman year, serving as team captain both junior and senior years; played JV basketball my freshman through junior years; varsity basketball junior year; and for a first time, varsity football this past fall. I am looking forward to my new chapter in life beginning with my enrollment to Concordia University – Chicago. Being part of making a community safer, engaging with citizens, and for a very personal reason is why I feel a career in Law Enforcement is my calling. First, my father was an at-risk juvenile. My father was in and out of trouble from his young teenage years until his death at the age of twenty-one; I was just three years old. My father’s death was the ultimate consequence of his choices. While serving as a police officer, I will welcome the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with members of the community, especially at-risk juveniles. I will share my story with them and how it was for me growing up without my father. I will help them to understand how consequences of bad choices affect not only themselves but their loved ones. To change the path of even just one at-risk juvenile is an accomplishment and a blessing. For communities, I want to be involved with strengthening the relationship between police and community. We have several policing houses located within high crime areas. One of the five does much for its immediate community by inviting them to participate with movie nights, picnics, food drives, clothing drives, walking the children to school, and so much more. This allows opportunity for police and community relationships to strive by opening lines of communication and rebuilding trust. Police and community working together in unity make any community a better place to live. People often say I overcame the odds being I am an African American male raised by a single mother in a city with rising crime. I say, I chose the path of righteousness; to always do the best that I can in school, athletics, community and most of all, to be a positive role model for my younger siblings. Because I was raised by a single mother is the reason I have a great need for assistance with my pursuit of a degree. I will be attending a D3 college which costs more as they do not receive the alternate funding as D1 and D2 colleges receive. While I am an athlete, and will continue my sport, I feel my academic achievement is more important. Academic focus is a match with a D3 college. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story and I thank you for your consideration. Be Blessed Always!

My name is Cameron Mitchell, a soon to be first generation college student. Currently, I am a high school senior at Racine Lutheran High School (RLHS), preparing for my pursuit of a Criminal Justice degree, specifically for a career in Law Enforcement. I begin my story by sharing a bit about myself followed by why I chose a career path in Law Enforcement. I will be graduating spring 2024 with a GPA of 3.4. During my sophomore year I was inducted into the National Honor Society and since my freshman year, I have been a member of the student council, currently serving as Vice President. Being active in sports is important to me not only for a healthy lifestyle choice, but I also enjoy working as a team. I have been a varsity member of RLHS’s Track & Field team since freshman year, serving as team captain both junior and senior years; played JV basketball my freshman through junior years; varsity basketball junior year; and for a first time, varsity football this past fall. I am looking forward to my new chapter in life beginning with my enrollment to Concordia University – Chicago. Being part of making a community safer, engaging with citizens, and for a very personal reason is why I feel a career in Law Enforcement is my calling. First, my father was an at-risk juvenile. My father was in and out of trouble from his young teenage years until his death at the age of twenty-one; I was just three years old. My father’s death was the ultimate consequence of his choices. Sadly, several friends I had during my elementary and middle school years are now living criminal lives, jailed and some of their friends being killed. While serving as a police officer, I will welcome the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with members of the community, especially at-risk juveniles. I will share my story with them and how it was for me growing up without my father. I will help them to understand how consequences of bad choices affect not only themselves but their loved ones. To change the path of even just one at-risk juvenile would be a great accomplishment. For communities, I want to be involved with strengthening the relationship between police and community. We have several policing houses located within high crime areas. One of the five does much for its immediate community by inviting them to participate with movie nights, picnics, food drives, clothing drives, walking the children to school, and so much more. This allows opportunity for police and community relationships to strive by opening lines of communication and rebuilding trust. Police and community working together in unity make any community a better place to live. People often say I overcame the odds being I am an African American male raised by a single mother in a city with rising crime. I say, I chose the path of righteousness; to always do the best I can in school, athletics, community and most of all, to be a positive role model for my younger siblings. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story and I thank you for your consideration. Be Blessed Always!

My name is Cameron Mitchell. I am currently a high school senior at Racine Lutheran High School (RLHS), preparing for my pursuit of a Criminal Justice degree, specifically for a career in Law Enforcement. I begin my story by sharing a bit about myself followed by why I chose a career path in Law Enforcement. I will be graduating spring 2024 with a GPA of 3.4. During my sophomore year I was inducted into the National Honor Society and since my freshman year, I have been a member of the student council, currently serving as Vice President. Being active in sports is important to me not only for a healthy lifestyle choice, but I also enjoy working as a team. I have been a varsity member of RLHS’s Track & Field team since freshman year, serving as team captain both junior and senior years; played JV basketball my freshman through junior years; varsity basketball junior year; and for a first time, varsity football this past fall. I am looking forward to my new chapter in life beginning with my enrollment to Concordia University – Chicago. Being part of making a community safer, engaging with citizens, and for a very personal reason is why I feel a career in Law Enforcement is my calling. First, my father was an at-risk juvenile. My father was in and out of trouble from his young teenage years until his death at the age of twenty-one; I was just three years old. My father’s death was the ultimate consequence of his choices. Sadly, several friends I had during my elementary and middle school years are now living criminal lives, jailed and some of their friends, being killed. While serving as a police officer, I will welcome the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with members of the community, especially at-risk juveniles. I will share my story with them and how it was for me growing up without my father. I will help them to understand how consequences of bad choices affect not only themselves but their loved ones. To change the path of even just one at-risk juvenile is an accomplishment and a blessing. For communities, I want to be involved with strengthening the relationship between police and community. We have several policing houses located within high crime areas. One of the five does much for its immediate community by inviting them to participate with movie nights, picnics, food drives, clothing drives, walking the children to school, and so much more. This allows opportunity for police and community relationships to strive by opening lines of communication and rebuilding trust. Police and community working together in unity make any community a better place to live. People often say I overcame the odds being I am an African American male raised by a single mother in a city with rising crime. I say, I chose the path of righteousness; to always do the best that I can in school, athletics, community and most of all, to be a positive role model for my younger siblings. Because I was raised by a single mother is the reason I have a great need for assistance with my pursuit of a degree. I will be attending a D3 college which costs more as they do not receive the alternate funding as D1 and D2 colleges receive. While I am an athlete, and will continue my sport, I feel my academic achievement is more important. Academic focus is a match with a D3 college. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story and I thank you for your consideration. Be Blessed Always!

My name is Cameron Mitchell, a soon to be first generation university student. I am currently a high school senior at Racine Lutheran High School (RLHS), preparing for my pursuit of a Criminal Justice degree, specifically for a career in Law Enforcement. I begin my story by sharing a bit about myself followed by why I chose a career path in Law Enforcement. I will be graduating spring 2024 with a GPA of 3.4. During my sophomore year I was inducted into the National Honor Society and since my freshman year, I have been a member of the student council, currently serving as Vice President. Being active in sports is important to me not only for a healthy lifestyle choice, but I also enjoy working as a team. I have been a varsity member of RLHS’s Track & Field team since freshman year, serving as team captain both junior and senior years; played JV basketball my freshman through junior years; varsity basketball junior year; and for a first time, varsity football this past fall. I am looking forward to my new chapter in life beginning with my enrollment to Concordia University – Chicago. Being part of making a community safer, engaging with citizens, and for a very personal reason is why I feel a career in Law Enforcement is my calling. First, my father was an at-risk juvenile. My father was in and out of trouble from his young teenage years until his death at the age of twenty-one; I was just three years old. My father’s death was the ultimate consequence of his choices. While serving as a police officer, I will welcome the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with members of the community, especially at-risk juveniles. I will share my story with them and how it was for me growing up without my father. I will help them to understand how consequences of bad choices affect not only themselves but their loved ones. To change the path of even just one at-risk juvenile is an accomplishment and a blessing. For communities, I want to be involved with strengthening the relationship between police and community. We have several policing houses located within high crime areas. One of the five does much for its immediate community by inviting them to participate with movie nights, picnics, food drives, clothing drives, walking the children to school, and so much more. This allows opportunity for police and community relationships to strive by opening lines of communication and rebuilding trust. Police and community working together in unity make any community a better place to live. People often say I overcame the odds being I am an African American male raised by a single mother in a city with rising crime. I say, I chose the path of righteousness; to always do the best that I can in school, athletics, community and most of all, to be a positive role model for my younger siblings. Because I was raised by a single mother is the reason I have a great need for assistance with my pursuit of a degree. I will be attending a D3 college which costs more as they do not receive the alternate funding as D1 and D2 colleges receive. While I am an athlete, and will continue my sport, I feel my academic achievement is more important. Academic focus is a match with a D3 college. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story and I thank you for your consideration. Be Blessed Always!

My name is Cameron Mitchell. I am currently a high school senior at Racine Lutheran High School (RLHS), preparing for my pursuit of a Criminal Justice degree, specifically for a career in Law Enforcement. I begin my story by sharing a bit about myself followed by why I chose a career path in Law Enforcement. I will be graduating spring 2024 with a GPA of 3.4. During my sophomore year I was inducted into the National Honor Society and since my freshman year, I have been a member of the student council, currently serving as Vice President. Being active in sports is important to me not only for a healthy lifestyle choice, but I also enjoy working as a team. I have been a varsity member of RLHS’s Track & Field team since freshman year, serving as team captain both junior and senior years; played JV basketball my freshman through junior years; varsity basketball junior year; and for a first time, varsity football this past fall. I am looking forward to my new chapter in life beginning with my enrollment to Concordia University – Chicago. Making a community safer, engaging with citizens, and for a very personal reason is why I feel a career in Law Enforcement is my calling. First, my father was an at-risk juvenile. My father was in and out of trouble from his young teenage years until his death at the age of twenty-one; I was just three years old. My father’s death was the ultimate consequence of his choices. Sadly, several friends I had during my elementary and middle school years are now living criminal lives, jailed and some of their friends, being killed. While serving the community as a police officer, I will welcome the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with members of the community, especially at-risk juveniles. I will share my story with them and how it was for me growing up without my father. I will help them to understand how consequences of bad choices affect not only themselves but their loved ones. To change the path of even just one at-risk juvenile is an accomplishment and a blessing. For communities, I want to be involved with strengthening the relationship between police and community. We have several policing houses located within high crime areas. One of the five does much for its immediate community by inviting them to participate with movie nights, picnics, food drives, clothing drives, walking the children to school, and so much more. This allows opportunity for police and community relationships to strive by opening lines of communication and rebuilding trust. Police and community working together in unity make any community a better place to live. People often say I overcame the odds being I am an African-American male raised by a single mother in a city with rising crime. I say, I chose the path of righteousness; to always do the best that I can in school, athletics, community and most of all, to be a positive role model for my younger siblings. Because I was raised by a single mother is the reason I have a great need for assistance with my pursuit of a degree. I will be attending a D3 college which costs more as they do not receive the alternate funding as D1 and D2 colleges receive. While I am an athlete, and will continue my sport, I feel my academic achievement is more important. Academic focus is a match with a D3 college. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story and I thank you for your consideration. Be Blessed Always!

My name is Cameron Mitchell. I am currently a high school senior at Racine Lutheran High School (RLHS), preparing for my pursuit of a Criminal Justice degree, specifically for a career in Law Enforcement. I begin my story by sharing a bit about myself followed by why I chose a career path in Law Enforcement. I will be graduating spring 2024 with a GPA of 3.4. During my sophomore year I was inducted into the National Honor Society and since my freshman year, I have been a member of the student council, currently serving as Vice President. Being active in sports is important to me not only for a healthy lifestyle choice, but I also enjoy working as a team. I have been a varsity member of RLHS’s Track & Field team since freshman year, serving as team captain both junior and senior years; played JV basketball my freshman through junior years; varsity basketball junior year; and for a first time, varsity football this past fall. I am looking forward to my new chapter in life beginning with my enrollment to Concordia University – Chicago. Making a community safer, engaging with citizens, and for a very personal reason is why I feel a career in Law Enforcement is my calling. First, my father was an at-risk juvenile. My father was in and out of trouble from his young teenage years until his death at the age of twenty-one; I was just three years old. My father’s death was the ultimate consequence of his choices. Sadly, several friends I had during my elementary and middle school years are now living criminal lives, jailed and some of their friends, being killed. While serving the community as a police officer, I will welcome the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with members of the community, especially at-risk juveniles. I will share my story with them and how it was for me growing up without my father. I will help them to understand how consequences of bad choices affect not only themselves but their loved ones. To change the path of even just one at-risk juvenile is an accomplishment and a blessing. For communities, I want to be involved with strengthening the relationship between police and community. We have several policing houses located within high crime areas. One of the five does much for its immediate community by inviting them to participate with movie nights, picnics, food drives, clothing drives, walking the children to school, and so much more. This allows opportunity for police and community relationships to strive by opening lines of communication and rebuilding trust. Police and community working together in unity make any community a better place to live. People often say I overcame the odds being I am an African-American male raised by a single mother in a city with rising crime. I say, I chose the path of righteousness; to always do the best that I can in school, athletics, community and most of all, to be a positive role model for my younger siblings. Because I was raised by a single mother is the reason I have a great need for assistance with my pursuit of a degree. I will be attending a D3 college which costs more as they do not receive the alternate funding as D1 and D2 colleges receive. While I am an athlete, and will continue my sport, I feel my academic achievement is more important. Academic focus is a match with a D3 college. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story and I thank you for your consideration. Be Blessed Always!

My name is Cameron Mitchell. I am currently a high school senior at Racine Lutheran High School (RLHS), preparing for my pursuit of a Criminal Justice degree, specifically for a career in Law Enforcement. I begin my story by sharing a bit about myself followed by why I chose a career path in Law Enforcement and why I am seeking assistance with my pursuit. I will be graduating spring 2024 with a GPA of 3.4. During my sophomore year I was inducted into the National Honor Society and since my freshman year, I have been a member of the student council, currently serving as Vice President. Being active in sports is important to me not only for a healthy lifestyle choice, but I also enjoy working as a team. I have been a varsity member of RLHS’s Track & Field team since freshman year, serving as team captain both junior and senior years; played JV basketball my freshman through junior years; varsity basketball junior year; and for a first time, varsity football this past fall. I am looking forward to my new chapter in life beginning with my enrollment to Concordia University – Chicago. Making a community safer, engaging with citizens, and for a very personal reason is why I feel a career in Law Enforcement is my calling. First, my father was an at-risk juvenile. My father was in and out of trouble from his young teenage years until his death at the age of twenty-one; I was just three years old. My father’s death was the ultimate consequence of his choices. Sadly, several friends I had during my elementary and middle school years are now living criminal lives, jailed and some of their friends, being killed. While serving the community as a police officer, I will welcome the opportunity to develop trusting relationships with members of the community, especially at-risk juveniles. I will share my story with them and how it was for me growing up without my father. I will help them to understand how consequences of bad choices affect not only themselves but their loved ones. To change the path of even just one at-risk juvenile is an accomplishment and a blessing. For communities, I want to be involved with strengthening the relationship between police and community. Positively impacting the community while protecting and serving is my ultimate goal. I hope to become part of change for the better, helping when able, and most importantly, upholding the laws of the land. In my city, we have several policing houses located within high crime areas. One of the five does much for its immediate community by inviting them to participate with movie nights, picnics, food drives, clothing drives, walking the children to school, and so much more. This allows opportunity for police and community relationships to strive by opening lines of communication and rebuilding trust. Police and community working together in unity make any community a better place to live. People often say I overcame the odds being I am an African-American male raised by a single mother in a city with rising crime. I say, I chose the path of righteousness; to always do the best that I can in school, athletics, community and most of all, to be a positive role model for my younger siblings. Because I was raised by a single mother is the reason I have a great need for assistance with my pursuit of a degree. I will be attending a D3 college which costs more as they do not receive the alternate funding as D1 and D2 colleges receive. While I am an athlete, and will continue my sport, I feel my academic achievement is more important. Academic focus is a match with a D3 college. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story and I thank you for your consideration in selecting me to receive this scholarship. Be Blessed Always!