Liberal Arts Major: Criminology
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Experience Time: Spring 2022

Give us a brief summary of your experience?

This semester, I took CRIM 425, an embedded course with a study abroad experience to Curacao over spring break. This spring break trip allowed me to study abroad for a shorter time period, helping me to determine if a longer study abroad experience might be right for me in the future. I was able to experience multiple different cultures and environments within a criminology context while on the island. The difference in lifestyle was really eye-opening for me and contributed to my perspective and thoughts about crime.

"This experience will help me in contributing unique experience and first-hand knowledge within my future workplace and career."

How did this experience impact you academically?

I was able to see and learn about crime first-hand in a context outside of the U.S. Knowing how certain organized crime activities take place in a country other than my own will contribute to more meaningful study and research within my major.

How will this experience impact your career goals?

This experience will help me in contributing unique experience and first-hand knowledge within my future workplace and career.

How has the College of the Liberal Arts helped you to find and/or succeed in this experience (e.g., adviser, faculty, staff, enrichment funds, etc.)?

I received enrichment funds from the College of Liberal Arts. This award really pushed me to be excited for what I could learn and take away from this trip. Additionally, receiving funding reassured me that what I was doing was supported by the College of Liberal Arts and Penn State overall.