My K-8 school was a very small institution that catered to the children living in the surrounding rural area. Because I lived in a small town in Tennessee, I was one of the only Asian-American students in my school. In fact, I was the only Asian student in my grade. The only Asian thing about my classmates was that the majority of them were Caucasian; only a few others in my grade were either African American or Hispanic. My entire friend group was white, and I occasionally felt like an intruder—not because they ever made me feel unwelcome, but because I knew that I was different. Group pictures just shed light on the fact that I was the black sheep in the scenario, and I had misplaced feelings of shame. Due to the genetics I inherited from my Hawaiian father, the physical characteristics of my face war with my genes from my Filipino mother. This has caused everlasting confusion among the people around me, because they just can’t seem to figure out my ethnicity. The general consensus they end up reaching is that I’m from a Chinese descent; aren’t Asians, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipinos, and Hawaiians all the same anyways? No, but I came to accept their stereotypes in favor of not drawing more attention to the fact that I am different. Now that I attend a high school with slightly more diversity, there are more Asians my age. However, we are still the minority group. One day, during my history class, the discussion was on the bombing of Pearl Harbor. A classmate turned to me and said, “So your people bombed us?” It was a brutal question, and definitely misguided, but I knew right then that squeaking out an answer and ducking my head out of embarrassment was no longer something I felt compelled to do. Other than my skin color, I’m not any different than my not-Asian counterparts; there is no reason for me, or any other person for that matter, to be judged or misinterpreted. From that point on, I have worked hard to quell the conventional ideas that people have about various ethnic backgrounds. When someone remarks stereotypically, I enlighten them with facts. My grade point average is not the result of genetics; I worked hard to achieve my academic merits, and not every Asian is intellectually gifted. I don't wear glasses because Asians have bad eyesight due to slanted eyes; there are a lot of Asians with 20/20 vision. People who are less accepting than my friends use aggressive tactics to make Asian-Americans feel inferior. Crimes involving brutal treatment of Asian individuals are committed every day, a fact that never fails to appall me. I have belatedly learned that everyone deserves to be proud of their heritage. However, this cannot happen when there are people who act out of hatred to take away that pride. I am passionate about being a driving force of advocacy for not only my ethnic background, but other backgrounds as well. The way that I see to do this is by joining the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to be one official out of many to halt racial hate-crime rates and to bring those who were victimized to justice. College is a large step to ensuring my right of way into the legal system. I am thoroughly convinced that learning the fundamentals of criminal justice before going into my line of work would greatly enhance my ability to enact change in regards to this matter. There is a wealth of knowledge to be obtained, and I am committed to seeking it.

All throughout my life, I have experienced a lot of downs. My parents got divorced, I’ve been uprooted from multiple homes, my mother and I lack a bonding relationship, my father and I have no relationship; I could go on. But it doesn’t take a lot of effort to pinpoint all of the bad in our lives. It is so much harder to perceive the good that has emerged from all the pain, but I think that I have finally got it. I finally understand how my hardships have shaped me as a person, and I see now that I am what has emerged from the suffering. Some people lose themselves after, and sometimes even during, their trying times. I was told once that my father has loads of potential, but that potential is wasting away because he doesn’t want to do what is necessary to utilize it. He had something good going for him, but failure to persevere was his downfall. For a long time, I was angry at him for this, but I have come to realize that maybe if he had had someone rooting for him, he would have taken the plunge. This “aha” moment has formed my resolution of becoming a driving force for advocacy. I want to be someone’s cheerleader and encourage them to score a few touchdowns. But how? A year ago, I had no idea which career path I would go down. There was the option of getting a general business degree, but that wasn’t something that truly called to me. Further into my junior year of high school, I started to panic. Future life plans are kind of a big deal, and I was no closer to figuring mine out. Senior year was fast approaching, and I was completely lost. Until I visited the Tennessee Bureau of investigation website out of curiosity. Criminal Justice was never something that I had any interest in. As a little girl, I aspired to be a chef, an actress—at one point, even a princess. At the end of the eleventh grade, however, I went to tn.gov/tbi.html just to check things out. Once the home page appeared, I immediately noticed an alert about a missing girl whose age hadn’t even made it to the double digits yet. She had been missing for over a year, and to this day, investigators are still unsure of her whereabouts. After reading about this girl, I knew. I knew that I wanted to be on that team, helping those people search for her. All of the uncertainty about my future suddenly faded, and I knew exactly what my purpose was. Ever since that day I visited TBI’s website, I have devoted myself to being a worthy candidate for a job as a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Special Agent. That involves applying to a university that has an exceptional criminal justice program and pushing myself on a personal and academic level to ground myself. Hopefully, that little girl is found long before I finally achieve my goals. I aspire to be able to help more people like her, and college is the first large step for me to work to achieve that. Even though I don’t have all the financial means to comfortably transition into my difference-making stage, I’m going to keep persevering. Because out of all the bad, good can—and will—emerge. These career goals are my way of contributing to society. Will you help me help you?

Neither of my parents went on to pursue a higher education. Despite this, they have always advocated for my success and hopes and dreams. Even if they wouldn't have chosen my path for themselves, my parents were open-minded and saw that being able to attend college is important to me. If they can do that, why can't we all share that open-mindedness for other people? My mother and step-father's unconditional acceptance of my aspirations has provided me with insight on how to be empathetic and accepting to everyone. Every single individual in this world retains the power to create their own identity, and they should also be able to be proud of it. I live through my everyday motions seeing how lucky I am to have people who support me; some schoolmates are not so fortunate. They either don't have the means of being able to attend college, or they don't have people who are in their corner to let them know that they can do whatever they want with their lives. I have seen how some of my friends, who have already graduated high school, have turned out simply because they didn't have that support either. I want to be the one who stands to argue for their success. Personally, I cannot say that I would do some of the things that other people choose to do; I simply just have other desires in life. But I thoroughly believe that judging a person due to their different ways of living is one of the most effective ways of killing diversity. To me, diversity is more than just difference in race, religion, and demographics. I serve as a diversifying factor in my own family by being a first-generation college student. If my parents hadn't accepted my wants for pursuing a criminal justice degree at a post-secondary institution, my transition from high school to college could easily be more stressful than it already is. One can apply that same circumstance to a person's leanings of self-identity. To feel unaccepted because you are not conforming to the majority's standards can prove to be unhealthy both mentally and physically. Being a first-generation college student has provided me with many personal obstacles, however, once I took a moment to appreciate all of the things that have helped and guided me along the way, I realized that acceptance from the people that care about me certainly played a major role in my life. As much as people pretend to not care about what others think about them, I feel like validation is still important. I don't mean validation in regards to the things that you do; I mean validation in regards to who you are as a person. Not everyone is the same as me, but I know that feeling confident because people are rooting for me no matter what gives me a feeling of extreme bliss. For those who want to share this feeling, I want to be the driving factor that makes you feel accepted. I want you to know that I am rooting for you no matter what you choose to do. This world would be a much better place if everyone was happy, but that will probably never happen. The only thing that I can do is contribute the most amount of happiness and help others do the same in return. It took me realizing that I have supporters to be able to have this outlook on life, and now I want other people to be able to have this same light bulb moment I had. I support you.

Not many kids know exactly what they want to be when they grow up. In the eighth grade, I most definitely didn’t. But I knew without a doubt what my dream college was. Four years later, and I am now an admitted student at that college. Even though I didn’t decide what I wanted to major in—criminal justice—until the end of my eleventh grade year, I made sure to maintain a top-notch GPA and receive high scores on important tests like the ACT all throughout my high school career. I knew what the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga wanted out of me as a student, and I could very well have just the bare minimum to meet their criteria. But I wanted to be the best of the best, so I molded myself into someone who was better than their standards. Someone that they couldn’t overlook in the acceptance process. As I reached the point in my life where I had to start applying to colleges, UTC was first on my list; then I applied to other colleges, just in case. Conversations with my parents made it obvious that they were leery about me attending a higher costing university. They were only going to be able to help me so much and wouldn’t it be easier to enroll in the local community college that offered free tuition? Yes. It would be so much easier. But where would that leave my aspirations for my future? Would my hopes and dreams just go out the door? I don’t want finances to be a factor that stops me from being able to experience college at the post-secondary institution that I worked so hard to be able to attend—especially since I received automatic admission in response to me being in the top ten percent of my graduating class. Is a mountainous student loan debt an option, and risk, I’m willing to choose to take just to make my long-time dream come true? The answer to that question is also “yes.” I have decided to reach for the stars and enroll in UTC. Giving up is a concept that I have grown to despise as a person, and I don’t plan on changing that opinion any time soon. Each person has the potential to make even the slightest amount of change, but not everyone taps into that potential. I know my worth and am aware of the differences that I can make in this world, so I am not going to let financial disadvantages stand in my way. I worked hard to earn my academic merit, and now I am going to work hard to earn any monetary assistance available to me. The saying “If there’s a will, there’s a way” is one that thoroughly describes my approach on this matter. I am not simply going to hope my financial situation figures itself out; I am going to be proactive and do anything I can to lessen the amount of debt I’ll have accumulated by the end of my race. And if there is anything that I hope to experience first-hand in the next few years, it is how a little bit of help can stretch surprisingly far.

The relationship between law enforcement agencies and the African American population has been a topic of contention and debate for decades. From systematic racism to disproportionate use of force, the strain between these two groups demands urgent attention and action. Law enforcement agencies must recognize the historical injustices and proactively cultivate trust, accountability, and mutual respect with the community. One crucial step in improving these relationships is through enhanced training and education for law enforcement officers. Training programs should include comprehensive modules on cultural sensitivity, implicit bias, and de-escalation strategies. By providing officers with sufficient tools to understand and navigate diverse communities, we can mitigate misunderstandings and promote empathy with African American individuals. Additionally, ongoing education and dialogue with community leaders can further facilitate understanding and compassion, laying the foundation for more positive interactions. Transparency and accountability are necessary components in rebuilding trust. Law enforcement agencies must foster open communication and be held accountable for their actions. Implementing body-worn cameras and ensuring swift investigation regarding misconduct allegations can help rebuild broken trust. Furthermore, establishing civilian review boards with community representation can offer an additional layer of oversight, allowing for fair and impartial assessments of law enforcement actions. Community policing initiatives play a vital role in improving relationships between law enforcement and the African American population. By engaging in community outreach programs, law enforcement agencies can garner trust and partnership with local residents. This can involve organizing neighborhood meetings, collaborating with community leaders, and participating in community events to build authentic relationships with residents in African American communities. Through sustained and genuine engagement, law enforcement officials can create a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Accountability for misconduct and excessive use of force is non-negotiable. It is imperative for law enforcement to administer stringent protocols and consequences for officers who engage in discriminatory conduct or abuse their power. Holding officers accountable for their actions, regardless of their position, sends an explicit message that unjust behavior will not be tolerated within the ranks of law enforcement. Simultaneously, implementing comprehensive oversight mechanisms and independent investigations can further ensure that all cases of misconduct are thoroughly and impartially addressed. Lastly, meaningful reform of policies and procedures is essential in addressing the systemic issues that have perpetuated strained relations between law enforcement and the African American community. This can involve reassessing tactics such as stop-and-frisk, implementing non-violent conflict resolution strategies, and reevaluating the allocation of resources to prioritize de-escalation and community collaboration. Investing in programs that foster economic opportunity and educational advancement within African American communities can also help address the root causes of crime and distrust, ultimately leading to a more equitable and just society. In conclusion, rebuilding and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the African American population in the United States requires a multifaceted approach. By prioritizing empathy, accountability, and genuine community engagement, law enforcement agencies can work towards creating a society where all individuals feel safe, respected, and valued. Embracing these changes is not only necessary for building trust but is also fundamental to upholding the principles of justice and equality that our nation aspires to achieve.

As a young middle school girl, I went through a Billie Eilish phase. At the time, she was the hottest thing, and everyone loved her. Six years later, and I still view Billie Eilish as one of the most inspirational musicians in my life. Not only does her lifestyle embody the very picture of staying true to yourself, her songs capture it, too. “Lovely,” which features Khalid, is a beautiful song that creates a sense of hope and resilience that echoes throughout my soul. This song is one of my favorites simply because it is a reminder that even in the dark times, there is beauty and strength to be found amid our struggles. Growing up, I experienced a lot of trying times. My parents got divorced, my grandfather died, and I moved homes multiple times. All throughout my life, I have struggled with complex emotions and negative outlooks on life that I could never seem to shake. “Everything I Wanted” addresses those complex emotions and mental health issues. This song resonates especially in my heart because I feel like I can relate on a personal level. Billie’s honesty and vulnerability in the lyrics is very empowering and eye-opening. A lot of Billie Eilish’s songs are very meaningful to me. Various pieces of her music have hit the ball home for me, but at this moment, no other song holds such importance to me as “My Future.” As my senior year approaches its end rapidly, I am faced with the uncertainty of what is to come. College, adulthood, job placement; all of it seems a little hard to swallow. The song “My Future” is a lovely song about self empowerment and looking to a brighter future. Whenever I am feeling the toll of anxiety due to my future, I listen to Billie’s song and am encouraged to embrace the oncoming change and place faith in my potential. Unlike most of my classmates, I didn’t grow bored of Billie Eilish once other musicians became more popular. Because of this, I was able to grow up listening to her songs with reverence. I feel like now that I am older, I can better analyze their meanings. The three aforementioned songs are amazing in my opinion, but I know that, for me, the party is far from being over.

When I was only five and in Kindergarten, Taylor Swift was my idol. I adored her and the songs she came out with. Twelve years later, and that same little girl is still a loyal Swiftie! My senior year of high school is turning out to be a lot more stressful than my Kindergarten year. College applications, scholarship deadlines, and academic excellence are all looming factors that are taking precedence in my life right now. When listening to my 1989 (Taylor’s Version) playlist, “Clean,” serves as a reminder that good can emerge from difficult experiences. It gives me the strength to muscle through the challenges of senior year with hopes that afterward I will feel renewed and ready to tackle the next big trial. Rain might be pouring while I’m drowning, but by morning, gone will be any trace of my struggles so long as I stay resilient. This year has certainly been busier than any other as I am preparing for life after high school. It is so easy to get swept up into the dreariness of my everyday routines, but “New Romantics,” communicates the importance of embracing positive, confident, and fun outlooks on life. For example, scholarship essays can be a little boring, but by living out loud through my writing, positive outcomes can result. Besides, if I’m too busy dancing, I won’t get knocked off my feet! There is always someone or something trying to beat you down, but you just have to brush off the negativity. Other people have their own ideas about what I should do with my life, so I have to work extra hard to stay true to myself and do things on my own terms. “Shake it Off” absolutely embodies this way of thinking by relaying the message of self-empowerment. Just keep cruising, because everything’s gonna be alright. This last year of secondary education is going to be a new experience in and of itself. I’m going to struggle. I’m going to triumph. But above all, I’m going to embrace every single moment, the good and the bad. In order to do that, I'll to have to do some heavy lifting, but Taylor’s “Clean,” “New Romantics,” and “Shake it Off,” are a trio of sick beats that captures the mindset I have been trying to exhibit this year. The rest of the world may be in black in white, but I am determined to be in screaming color.

How often have you felt like you just can’t go on? In times such as that, desperation kicks in, and you do things you aren't proud of. Although you should steer clear of those kinds of mistakes, sometimes you just need to know how to get back on your feet after you've fallen. That is what has stricken me as so monumental about the movie A Father's Legacy. It has such a heartfelt and inspirational storyline that leaves a message about doing the right thing and owning the consequences of your not-so-smart decisions. It’s easy to stumble into the gray area, but it takes a special kind of strength to work up the courage to make up for those mistakes. A Father's Legacy gifted me with that knowledge, and it has shed light on multiple aspects of my life. I now see things through new eyes and help others find that light too. At the beginning of the movie, Nick Wolfe has stolen money and is on the run from the police. He holds an elderly man hostage in his own home to stay hidden from the cops. The older man— whose name was Billy, showed little concern. He just went about his daily life and even showed hospitality to his intruder. Later on in the movie, the two men bonded. Eventually, the audience got to know Nick as a scared man in a tough situation. He had just found out that his wife was pregnant and worried that he would follow in his father’s footsteps of not being a good dad. The money he had stolen was to pay a private investigator to find his dad. Billy ended up playing the role of a father figure for Nick and showed him the importance of taking accountability for his actions. At the end of the movie, Nick decides to make atonement for his crimes in order to be there for his loved ones. Nick made horrible decisions, but I once heard that there is no such thing as bad people; we are all just people who sometimes do bad things. This was exactly the case with Nick, all it took for him to see that was one person who believed in him. Once the credits started rolling, I knew that I wanted to be like Billy. I had just watched how the impact of simply being there for someone else could make a difference, and I was convinced that my life had just taken on a new purpose. One year after I watched A Father's Legacy, I found myself in the same predicament as Nick. It certainly wasn't anything as bad, but it is still something that I hold zero pride in. But there was one person who was there for me. He persisted in letting me know that even though my decisions had been idiotic, there was nothing holding me back from becoming a better person. It took a while, but with his help, I was able to ground myself. In A Father's Legacy, Nick had Billy to help him, and I had my best friend. Even though after the movie I had planned on being the guide, I had ended up becoming the guided. It wasn't what I had anticipated, but having those roles reversed was just as eye-opening as the movie. By being "Nick," I had front-row tickets to see just how powerful the role Billy played was. Being able to relate A Father's Legacy to my life was a turning point for me, and I am now positive that I can effectively make a difference too.

I am passionate about majoring in criminal justice and becoming a TBI special agent for several reasons. To begin with, I have always been deeply interested in understanding the criminal justice system and the factors that contribute to criminal behavior. I am driven by a strong sense of justice and a desire to make a positive impact in my community. By pursuing a career in criminal justice and law enforcement, I believe I can contribute to the safety and well-being of others. Additionally, the role of a TBI special agent is particularly appealing to me due to the challenging and dynamic nature of the work. TBI special agents are responsible for investigating a wide range of criminal activities, including violent crimes, drug offenses, and public corruption. The opportunity to work on diverse cases and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies is something that excites me and aligns with my goal to constantly learn and grow in my career. Furthermore, the TBI's mission to uphold the rule of law and protect the citizens of Tennessee resonates deeply with me. I am committed to the principles of integrity, professionalism, and service, and I see the TBI as an organization that embodies these values. I am eager to be part of a team that is dedicated to maintaining public safety and ensuring that justice is served for all. Moreover, the prospect of serving my community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others is a driving force behind my passion for pursuing a career as a TBI special agent. I believe that every individual deserves to live in a safe and secure environment, and I am motivated to contribute to creating a society where people can feel protected and supported. I am inspired by the opportunity to help bring closure to victims and their families, as well as to prevent crime and provide a sense of security to the community as a whole. In conclusion, my passion for majoring in criminal justice and becoming a TBI special agent is rooted in a deep-seated desire to contribute to the greater good. I am drawn to the intellectual and practical challenges of the field, and I am committed to upholding the values of justice, integrity, and service in my future career. I am confident that by pursuing this path, I can make a meaningful and positive impact in the lives of others and help build a safer and more just society for all.

Looking back on my childhood, I realize that I wished I had been asked more often about my dreams and aspirations. While my parents and teachers were supportive and caring, they often focused on my academic performance and extracurricular activities rather than delving into my long-term goals and passions. This lack of inquiry into my aspirations led me to internalize the idea that success was solely linked to traditional measures such as grades and achievements. As a result, I found myself conforming to these expectations, pursuing a path that aligned with societal norms rather than exploring my true passions. It wasn't until later in life that I began to question this approach and reevaluate what truly brought me fulfillment and purpose. Now, in hindsight, I am able to understand what really matters to my overall success. The absence of this crucial question during my formative years influenced my goals and aspirations today by instilling in me a sense of self-discovery and introspection. I have come to understand the importance of aligning my ambitions with my authentic interests and values rather than adhering to external standards of success. This realization has significantly impacted my career choices and personal aspirations, as I now prioritize pursuing endeavors that genuinely resonate with my inner aspirations and bring me a sense of fulfillment. I only recently figured out what I wanted to major in. I have had to make serious adjustments to my college plans to suit my financial needs. I feel like if I had had more time to form my career and post secondary plans, I wouldn't be scrambling now to make ends meet. In hindsight, I recognize the profound impact that a simple question about my dreams and aspirations could have had on shaping my earlier decisions and fostering a greater sense of self-awareness. I believe that encouraging children to reflect on their passions and ambitions can empower them to pursue paths that are truly meaningful and aligned with their personal values. As I continue to navigate my journey, I am committed to fostering an environment of open dialogue and self-discovery, both for myself and for those around me, as a means of nurturing authentic aspirations and fostering personal growth. Kids are very impressionable, and sometimes, if someone tells them something, they will believe it. If someone had told me that I could pursue whatever it was that I wanted to regardless of the steps I took in the process, things would be a lot different than they would be now.

I once heard that a police department is only as good as its weakest officer. To be a good law enforcement officer means fulfilling the duties with integrity, empathy, and professionalism. It involves upholding the law while treating all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their background. An impactful law enforcement officer positively influences the community through proactive community engagement, crime prevention, and promoting public safety. First and foremost, a good law enforcement officer should embody integrity. This involves being honest, ethical, and transparent in all professional interactions. Upholding the law with integrity fosters trust within the community and ensures that the officer's actions serve the public's best interests. Additionally, empathy is crucial for a law enforcement officer to understand and relate to the diverse needs of the community. By recognizing the unique challenges faced by different individuals, officers can better serve and protect all community members. Furthermore, impacting the community positively involves proactive community engagement. This includes building strong relationships with community members through open communication, collaboration, and participation in local events. By connecting with the community, law enforcement officers gain insight into the specific concerns and priorities of the people they serve. This, in turn, allows for more effective and tailored law enforcement strategies that address the community's needs. In addition, law enforcement officers should focus on crime prevention to impact their communities positively. This involves implementing proactive measures and initiatives aimed at deterring criminal activity before it occurs. By working collaboratively with community members, schools, and local organizations, officers can educate and empower the public to take an active role in preventing crime. Furthermore, leveraging technology and data-driven approaches can enhance crime prevention strategies, leading to safer neighborhoods and increased trust in law enforcement. Moreover, promoting public safety is a fundamental responsibility of law enforcement officers. By being visible and accessible within the community, officers can respond to concerns promptly and effectively. Compelling communication and transparency regarding law enforcement activities and initiatives contribute to a sense of security and well-being among community members. In emergencies, law enforcement officers demonstrate their commitment to public safety by coordinating swift and efficient responses to protect and assist those in need. In conclusion, being a good law enforcement officer involves upholding the principles of integrity, empathy, and professionalism. Through proactive community engagement, crime prevention, and promoting public safety, law enforcement officers can profoundly impact their communities in a positive and meaningful way. By embodying these values and actively working to build trust and collaboration, law enforcement officers contribute to the safety and well-being of the community they serve.

I chose to pursue a degree in criminal justice because I am passionate about making a positive impact on society and promoting justice and fairness. I grew up in a small town known infamously for being the place where the Ku Klux Klan originated and while things have significantly improved, racial tension still persists. I believe that by studying criminal justice, I can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to better the situation and ameliorate the relationship between law enforcement and the African American population. My desire to create an impact stems from my belief that everyone deserves to be treated fairly, regardless of their color. Although I am not black, I am considered a 'minority race' simply because I am Asian, and I know as well as anyone how it feels to be persecuted. One of my main goals in pursuing a degree in criminal justice is to work towards creating a more just society. I am particularly interested in exploring ways to reform the criminal justice system to ensure that it is more effective, fair, and focused on rehabilitation rather than solely punishment. I hope to contribute to initiatives that address wrongful convictions, systematic biases, and the overrepresentation of certain demographics in the criminal justice system. There are seemingly unlimited problems in the justice system, and I thoroughly look forward to being able to dive into being a part of the solution. On a more personal level, I have always been deeply committed to helping others and making a difference in the lives of those affected by the legal system. I have witnessed firsthand the impact that the criminal justice system can have on individuals and communities, and I am driven to be part of the solution. Whether it's through advocacy, policy making, or direct involvement in community programs, I am eager to utilize my education and skills to effect positive change. Furthermore, I aspire to become a role model for those who have faced adversity and demonstrate that it is possible to overcome challenges and contribute meaningfully to society. By pursuing this degree and working towards a career in criminal justice, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and to work towards a better future. In conclusion, my decision to pursue a degree in criminal justice is driven by my passion for creating a more just and equitable society, my desire to make a positive impact, and my commitment to helping those affected by the legal system. I am eager to embark on this journey, and I am confident that my dedication and goals will enable me to achieve my professional passion in the field of criminal justice.