Major: Criminology & Criminal Justice and Political Science
Minor: Business Administration and Psychology
Would you recommend your majors to a future student? Why?
I recommend both of my majors and minors to all current and future students! The Criminology & Criminal Justice program at Cal Lutheran incorporates an internship as part of graduation requirements, which pushes students to gain work experience and helps them stand out from the rest upon graduating. The Political Science program also has many interesting travel seminars and experiential learning opportunities like Model United Nations and Urban Politics in Washington D.C. The Business Administration minor has equipped me with valuable knowledge about workplace behavior, artificial intelligence, and programs like Excel. The Psychology minor has enabled me to try to see the world through cultural and neurological perspectives different from my own.
What are your future plans?
My future plans after Cal Lutheran include continuing to work at local nonprofits and at the local colleges while I study for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). I aspire to attend law school in California to earn my Juris Doctor (JD) in order to one day become a lawyer. Through further work experience, I plan to decide between specializing in family law, criminal law, or disability law! With Spanish being my first language, I want to be a legal advocate for families and individuals who may find our legal system intimidating.
Are there any particular experiences — in or out of the classroom — that have helped you identify that path?
My interest in family law increased exponentially when I took Family Violence with Dr. Schannae Lucas. Alongside classmates, I was able to help put on an event with a local nonprofit to share resources during Domestic Violence Awareness Month and I still remain in contact with that agency today. Off-campus, I also work as a student intern at Moorpark College’s ACCESS office, where I help students enroll in the program and answer their questions about academic accommodations and resources.
How has your research helped you in your career path?
I had the unique opportunity to conduct both research and gain internship credit as a camp counselor with Camp HOPE Ventura County. When I found out about this job opportunity, I knew I wanted to do this internship, especially because they were emphasizing their need for male camp counselors. I also have a history with domestic violence exposure, so I am aware of how important it is to address the development of impacted youth. I want to show youth from similar backgrounds as myself that our circumstances do not define us and it is very possible to have a bright future. Camp HOPE Ventura County works hand-in-hand with the local Family Justice Center. There is always talk about new Family Justice Centers opening in our county, which I certainly am planning to help with!
What have you and your team found after conducting your research? Or is the research still going on?
Camp HOPE Ventura County is a summer camp that exposes children and teens impacted by domestic violence to new environments and opportunities. While my time as a camp counselor and data collector already happened during the summer, this Fall is when Dr. Molly George and I are focusing on data analysis. We are looking at the pre-camp surveys, post-camp surveys, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaires filled out by camp participants. Using such rich tools, we expect to find that the camp has a positive impact on youth’s ability to form a community and heal from trauma together.
What other things are you involved with on campus?
On campus, I am involved as an ASCLUG Transfer Senator, Presidential Host (tour guide with the Admissions Office), a peer advisor for transfer students, mentor for the Project CHESS men’s initiative, publicist for the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and the vice-president (and co-founder) for the Disability Advocacy Student Association. I will also be involved in the wonderful Inside-Out Program this Spring, which I have been looking forward to since my first semester at Cal Lutheran! If you couldn’t tell already, I am a transfer student from a California community college!
What is it like being a Culver Behavioral Science Research Fellow?
I absolutely loved my experience as a Culver Behavioral Science Research fellow! THis fellowship was the best possible one for me because it is a part time fellowship which begins in May and lasts until the following May. During summers, I work up to full time, so this allowed me to continue balancing all my responsibilities!
What was the reason you decided to research?
I decided to conduct research because I have always known I wanted to pursue a graduate degree following my undergraduate career. I am the first in my family to attend a university and it is my goal to show my little brothers that the possibilities are endless if we reach for the stars. Through research, I am able to gain more awareness about a real-world issue that will guide my experiential learning in my graduate studies.