I am currently a student at Secaucus High School in Secaucus, New Jersey, and I plan to attend Manhattan University. I am majoring in Criminal Studies because I feel called to a career in public service. Over time I have realized that I want to serve and protect my community, and I believe this major gives me the right foundation to do that. My long term goal is to work in firefighting, specifically in an Arson Unit. I understand that the hiring process in public departments can sometimes take time, which is why earning a degree in Criminal Studies is so important to me. Learning about forensics, investigations, and crime scene analysis connects directly to fire investigations and public safety. It also prepares me to grow within a department and possibly climb the ranks in leadership roles. I want to build a career where I protect cities and communities and make people feel safe. One of the moments I felt called to this career path was when I became captain of my football team. I had often thought of this path for myself. But that experience solidified it for me. It taught me how important teamwork, accountability, and leadership really are. Public service is not a solo career. Firefighters, investigators, and first responders rely on each other every single day. As captain, I learned how to lead by example, stay calm under pressure, and support my teammates. I believe those skills will carry directly into my future career. Overall, I see myself as a driven and dependable person who cares deeply about helping others. The experiences I’ve had through school, sports, work, and community involvement have taught me the importance of teamwork, leadership, and showing up for people when they need you. Those values are a big part of why I hope to build a future in public service, where I can continue to contribute to and protect the communities around me. Lastly, I am so committed to my future in firefighting and public service that I have already started taking steps toward that goal. I recently joined the Secaucus Fire Department as a volunteer and am currently serving as a probationary firefighter. This summer I plan to complete Firefighter 1 training so I can continue building the skills and experience needed to serve my community. For me, this isn’t just a career goal, it’s something I truly feel called to do Thank you for your consideration