INTERVIEW:

Why did you choose to study at Marshall University?
Upon high school graduation I decided to arrange trips to a variety of colleges throughout West Virginia. A few of my best friends told me that I should arrange a visit to Marshall. I decided to take a tour and instantly fell in love with the campus and the atmosphere. Marshall seemed like a close-knit community that valued students’ opinions as well as academics. I knew from that moment on that Marshall would be the perfect college for me.

What do you like best about your degree program?
I believe the best aspect of my degree program is the well-roundedness. Our program provides students with a wide array of classes that cover a multitude of aspects that pertain to criminal justice and criminology. These classes help all students to be better prepared for our future occupations.

What was your biggest surprise about graduate school?
The biggest surprise about graduate school to me was the enjoyment aspect. Throughout my undergrad I heard a number of horror stories about graduate school and how much work it will be. The work is harder and more in depth, but with these classes you get to dive deeper into the literature and learn much more. Due to the smaller classes it is enjoyable to interact with peers and learn others’ viewpoints on a number of topics.

What is the best class you have had and why?
I do not believe that I could pick just one class that I liked the best. All the classes that I have taken since I started graduate school have helped to expand my knowledge in many areas of criminal justice and criminology. I have not had a class as a graduate student that I disliked. Every class provided me with insightful information that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my career.

What are your plans after graduate school?
After graduate school I plan on locating a job within the criminal justice field. There are many occupations that I find interesting throughout the field. Which field I obtain a position in will just depend on the open availability of different organizations.

If you had not gone to graduate school, what other path would you have followed?
Throughout my whole life I have felt that I could always be great at helping others. I chose the department of criminal justice and criminology because most of the occupational positions deal with interactions with others. If I had not attended graduate school I believe I would have tried to locate a job where I could do my best to help others.

What do you do outside of your studies for fun?:
Outside of my graduate studies I try to find time to relax. Graduate studies consumes a large part of my time, but when I have free moments I try to spend it with my friends, reading, playing xbox, or just taking time for myself.

Tell us one thing about yourself that might surprise your friends.
There is actually not much about me that my friends do not know. If I had to choose I would say that not many individuals know that I am adopted. My grandmother and grandfather adopted me when I was young and if it was not for them I would not be where I am today.