I think one of the biggest issues facing the criminal justice system today is the lack of trust between the community and law enforcement. A lot of people feel like police officers are not there to protect them, and that creates problems when it comes to solving crimes and keeping neighborhoods safe. I believe this is an issue because if the public does not trust the system, they are less likely to report crimes, cooperate in investigations, or even call for help when they need it. In my future career, I want to work on fixing this by being a person who treats people fairly and with respect. I believe that trust is earned by being consistent and honest with the community. Right now, I work as a telecommunications officer with the Mission Police Department. I answer 9-1-1 calls and dispatch officers to emergencies. This job has shown me firsthand how important trust is. Many times when I answer the phone, I can hear stress, fear, or even doubt in a caller’s voice. My job is to calm them down, get the right information, and make sure they know help is on the way. Every call teaches me how important it is to be professional and compassionate at the same time. I believe this experience will help me in my future because I know how to stay calm under pressure and talk to people in a way that builds trust instead of breaking it. I have also taken advantage of other opportunities to be involved in the criminal justice field. I volunteer with the Mission Police Youth Recruits program where I help guide young people who are interested in law enforcement. I like this program because I get to share what I have learned and help them understand the responsibility that comes with wearing a badge. It is important to show them that being in this field is not just about authority, but about serving people the right way. On top of that, I started my own small business, RGV Drone Operations. While it is mainly photography and video work, it has allowed me to connect with the community and sometimes even assist with safety planning at events. It has taught me responsibility, accountability, and how to run something professionally, which also carries over into law enforcement. These experiences are preparing me for the future. Working as a dispatcher gives me real-world training in communication, quick thinking, and teamwork. Volunteering with youth teaches me leadership and patience. Running my business shows me how to be organized and dependable. All of these skills are important in a criminal justice career, and I plan to use them to move forward. I see these opportunities pushing me toward a future where I can make a difference in law enforcement. I want to continue growing in the field and one day be in a position where I can not only serve but also help shape the way law enforcement works with the community. My goal is to be a leader that people can trust. I believe the system needs more people who are willing to put in the work to be fair, transparent, and accountable. All in all, the criminal justice system has a major issue with trust, but I believe it can be fixed by people who are willing to serve with honesty and respect. My experiences so far have given me the foundation I need to succeed, and I plan to keep building on that. I believe that the work I am doing now will lead me to a career where I can make a real impact not just in my community, but the entire nation.

The first time I heard the sound of gunfire on the radio, I was sitting in the dimly lit dispatch room about one year in as a 9-1-1 operator. A voice came in through my headset—urgent and relying on me for the next critical step. “SHOTS FIRED, SHOTS FIRED!” In that moment, I realized the weight of responsibility that comes with public safety work. That moment also solidified my desire to one day be on the other end of the radio: out in the field as a law enforcement officer, directly serving and protecting my community. My name is Orlando Loya, and I’m a 20-year-old college student from Mission, Texas. In addition to my work in emergency communications, I am an FAA Part 61 certified drone pilot and the owner of RGV Drone Operations, a business I built to provide affordable aerial photography and videography services in the Rio Grande Valley. My business allows me to combine my passion for technology with my commitment to helping others, whether it’s documenting accident scenes, capturing real estate footage, or assisting with marketing projects for local businesses. My long-term goal is to become a law enforcement officer who integrates modern technology—especially drones—into public safety. I have seen how valuable aerial tools can be for search-and-rescue missions, crime scene documentation, and traffic collision investigations. These innovations can save lives, save time, and bring critical clarity to complex situations. I believe my unique skill set will allow me to bridge the gap between traditional policing and the possibilities that technology offers. Balancing my career, education, and business has been challenging. As a college student, I carry the responsibility of not only pursuing my own goals but also setting an example for my family and community. The financial strain of tuition, books, and other school-related expenses often means working extra hours, which takes time away from studying and advancing my education. While I’m proud of my work ethic, I know that additional support would allow me to dedicate more energy toward academic success without the constant worry of how to cover tuition. This scholarship would make a meaningful difference in my journey. It would ease the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus on my coursework and law enforcement academy preparation without the distraction of financial stress. With this support, I could put more time and attention toward my studies, gain the knowledge and skills necessary for my career, and stay on track toward my goal of serving in law enforcement. Beyond my own ambitions, I want to inspire others in my community to dream bigger. Growing up in the Rio Grande Valley, I’ve seen how many young people limit their goals because they believe opportunities are out of reach. I hope my path can show that with determination, skill-building, and the right support, it’s possible to break through those barriers. For me, this scholarship is more than financial help—it’s an opportunity to fully invest in my education and prepare for a career of service. With your support, I can work toward becoming the kind of officer who not only responds to emergencies but also uses technology to prevent them, improve outcomes, and strengthen trust between the community and law enforcement