'Iāve always been fascinated by the criminal justice system'
Q: Whatās your hometown?
A: Vernon, B.C. I grew up here and Iāve always been so grateful for the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Q: How did you end up at ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē?
A: I had always planned to do a couple years of college before going to university so I had time to adjust to the differences between high school and post-secondary, so I chose a local college that had courses that interested me.
Q: How did you choose your program?
A: Iāve always been fascinated by the criminal justice system. Thereās so many avenues to choose from once Iāve completed the Criminal and Social Justice Diploma program, from working in a correctional centre, to working as a youth advocate or continuing with further education like law school. This program has opened so many doors for me ā Iāve made connections with people through my professors and made friendships that will continue even after graduation.
Q: What is your area of interest?
A: Iām interested in helping youth and other vulnerable populations.
Q: What do you like most about the program?
A: The people. Iāve had the opportunity to learn from highly regarded instructors and itās been great to meet new friends, even though thatās been difficult with online courses.
Q: Favourite class experience?
A: So many! If I had to choose, probably the discussions in Introduction to Political Science in my first year. Dr. McMahon facilitated engaging and meaningful conversations that have opened my mindset to different political views and beliefs ā and still continue to impact me now.
Q: Who gave you the best advice you ever received?
A: My friend always reminds me to āDance it off.ā Iāve found that dance works for a lot, everything from stress to sadness to anxiety. Movement always helps, especially if itās silly.
Q: What advice do you have for new ĀŅĀ×ŗ£½Ē students?
A: Remember to take breaks and donāt be afraid to ask for help! There are so many wonderful resources available to students here, so take advantage of them!
Q: Where are you the happiest?
A: Sitting in the sunlight with a good book. I find it incredibly peaceful and calming, no matter whatās going on around me.
Q: What matters most to you right now?
A: My loved ones. Friends and family have been such a large part of my life and itās been difficult to not have the ability to see them during the COVID-19 pandemic because thereās been so many changes in the past year.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I plan to be working with youth in some capacity, but above all else, I want to be content with what Iāve done in that time.
Criminal Social Justice Diploma
The Criminal and Social Justice program provides students with an Arts-based criminal and social justice education. It is a two-year, four-semester program in which students will take a variety of criminal and social justice-related courses in Sociology, Psychology, Political Science and Criminology, as well as elective Arts courses of personal interest. Some fields of inquiry may include Indigenous studies, gender studies, race and ethnicity, globalization and poverty.
About the Penticton campus
With an active and energetic learning community, the Penticton campus is the perfect place for students to discover life-long relationships and their path to success. Students benefit from the regionās array of four-season outdoor activities, from kayaking and paddle boarding on Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, to skiing and snowboarding at Apex Mountain only minutes away.