As the Fall 2019 semester began, I was prepared to be one step closer to earning my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. I had greatly enjoyed the various criminal justice courses I took the previous semester and was looking forward to upcoming sections, particularly my Corrections in America course since it pertained to my declared certificate in correctional rehabilitation. I started researching internship opportunities and found that, aside from correctional facilities, I was also heavily gravitating towards youth services and other community programs. I may have qualified for such an internship, but I would not have been able to make it my career with the degree I was fulfilling. This struck a chord of doubt that had already existed about the path I chose since correctional rehabilitation was the primary aspect of the criminal justice that I intended to work in. One opportunity that solidified this decision was my ride along with Cincinnati Police Department; it gave me a much more in-depth look at law enforcement and a greater appreciation for the job, although it was not a job I aspired to have. One of my textbooks described correctional rehabilitation as a general cross between the duties of a police officer and a social worker. This, along with my internship interest patterns, led me to do extended research on social work careers. 

I still remember how excited I grew while learning of the wide array of opportunities in this field. Compared to one small sector of criminal justice, branches in health, education, and family services all appealed to me as they related to social workers. I also had still had the ability to work in correctional rehabilitation which was all the more reason to choose this as my future path. My consideration of pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work became solidified after traveling to Buckhorn Children and Family Services in Kentucky. I learned about their history, helped clear a site being renovated for expansion, then visited the residential homes of the girls that lived there; little did I know how much this would change things for me. Being able to talk to so many of them, see their personalities, and learn about their lives made me want to be involved in the lives of people like them through my work. One girl specifically brought up her social worker and how they’ve helped her understand her situation and adjust while still allowing her to be herself. I felt an innate desire to embrace this avenue and prepare myself to become the best possible advocate for those I will be an ally to. My experience in Buckhorn, which is further detailed on the ‘Crime, Kids, and Abuse’ page listed under ‘Honors Experiences’, connected me to a realm I only saw the very beginning of. 

As I look ahead to the upcoming year, I am incredibly eager to begin this new journey. My goal is to become fully ingrained as I welcome learning new content, meeting new peers, and establishing my place in this field. I also look forward to representing University Honors Program as a UHP Ambassador as well as being a member of Women in Leadership and Learning where I will be exposed to intersectionality-based education and social justice activism. I believe that the growth that results from these commitments will only benefit my ability to succeed as a social worker.