Directory

Hometown

• Carolina, Puerto Rico

What do you love most about UD?

What I love most about UD would be how it feels like home even though I am really far away from home. Everyone is so welcoming and willing to lend a hand whenever it is needed. Everyone here wants you to live the best version of yourself and help you succeed, not only here at UD, but when you graduate, as well. There are so many options for you to explore anything you like or are passionate about whether it is clubs, organizations or sports. I love that I can express my culture with other Hispanic students, as well as other students. To me, my culture is extremely important, and I am proud of where I come from. That is something that I was scared of when coming to UD, but I can definitely say that, as I am currently in my sophomore year, there is no where I would rather call home than UD.

What do you like most about your major?

What I like most about my major is the broad variety of classes. I am pretty set on what I want to do after I graduate, but I have been and will be presented with all the options I would have in the criminal justice field. I love how much they are preparing me for when I start law school and graduate. Something that I really like is how criminal justice professionals come and talk to us in different events about what their job is like and their experience. Those are ways to network, but also to explore all your options.

Favorite class at UD and why?

My favorite class at UD would be between CJS 305 (Criminal Law) or PHL 307 (Philosophy & Feminist Thoughts). Since my dream and goal after I graduate is to become a criminal lawyer, this class shows me what I will encounter on a daily basis, learning very important terminology and hearing about so many cases with different outcomes that do happen on a daily basis. This class has helped me separate what is shown in movies and series about the criminal justice field and see what it is actually like. In terms of PHL 307, it correlates with my views as a feminist, and I love that we have this space to talk about the issues that affect women worldwide. I love being able to express myself with other classmates that have the same perspective and view on certain topics related to feminism and not having to hide that very important part of who I am.

What piece of your academic journey has you most prepared to begin a career after graduation?

I would say a piece of my academic journey that has prepared me the most to begin a career after graduation is my job. I currently work in the Criminal Justice and Security Studies Office as an office assistant and student ambassador, which has led me to connect with faculty, staff and students from my major. This job has brought me many opportunities and experiences that have helped me in my academic journey, even though I am only a sophomore. I have met criminal justice professionals from different jobs that have educated me on all the job opportunities that are available in the criminal justice field. It has also helped me in terms of connecting with faculty and establishing a relationship with them. With this job, and with the help of my advisor, a research summer program opportunity was presented to me. I applied and was accepted into the research program and was one of the best experiences for my academic journey and personal growth, as well.

What clubs/organizations are you involved in at UD?

• Flyer News Newspaper (Writing contributor)
• “El Orgullo Latino”
• Omega Phi Delta
• Campus Activities Board
• Las Mujeristas (Founder and President)
• Gamma Phi Omega (Secretary and Sisterhood Chair)

Why did you choose UD?

To be completely honest, the University of Dayton was not my first choice when it came to applying for college. However, throughout the whole process of choosing where I was going to attend, the admissions faculty were not only delightful, but they were persistent in convincing me to come to UD. I have to say that they did so successfully and can assure you that it has been one of the best decisions that I have made in my life. One of the reasons that I chose UD was the financial support they provided for my family. To me, this was extremely important because I live with my single mother and little brother back in Puerto Rico, and she is the only person in my household who is providing for the both of us. The admission’s faculty acknowledged our situation and provided us with more financial support. To me, at this point, it was not only about the money, but I saw the true values and morals that UD presents and especially how much support we were given throughout the whole process. Everyone was extremely welcoming and caring, which is how I knew instantly that this was the right place for me. Apart from that, I was very interested in the Criminal Justice Studies new 3+2 program and was even contacted by the director of the program. She scheduled a meeting with me to talk more about the program. Not many people with such important and time-consuming roles on campus do this and especially with just prospective students. This is also how I knew that this was the place for me, and that I would be able to thrive in this campus and program thanks to the amazing faculty and staff.