College Experiences That Helped a History Teacher and Adjunct Professor at SAGE Magnet and Cerro Coso College Succeed
To prepare for a career in public safety, the history teacher and adjunct professor undertook immersive experiences like police ride-alongs, witnessing "the intensity of Public Safety," and interviewing numerous courthouse professionals. This proactive approach, coupled with a commitment to always taking "critical feedback from supervisors," provided invaluable insights and shaped their career path.
Career Exploration, Overcoming Challenges, Networking, Practical, Actionable Tips
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Truth Akins
History Teacher and Adjunct Professor
SAGE Magnet & Cerro Coso Community College
San Diego State University
UCI Criminology and UCLA Urban Education
Criminal Justice
Education
Education
Disabled, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran, Transfer Student, Student Athlete, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Go on ride-alongs or spend time in the workplace of professionals in your field of interest.
2. Interview professionals to learn about their career paths and experiences.
3. Take critical feedback from supervisors seriously, even if it is difficult to hear.
Transcript
What did you do in undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
During my undergrad, I did a police ride-along and really got to see the mental health crisis that was happening. That was the most calls during the police ride-along: 5150s, someone committing suicide. They would go straight over to that call, and there's this person in a critical situation.
I realized the intensity of public safety and law enforcement. You're dealing with first responders in a very safe, easy place, and the next moment, you're dealing with death, or someone harming someone else, like domestic violence. Those police ride-alongs were a lot.
I also interviewed a lot of people in the courthouse. I went to the courthouse and interviewed some attorneys. Anyone who would give me an interview, I would interview them.
I always took critical feedback from my supervisors, no matter what. It didn't matter if it made me cry. So, I think that's it: take the professionals, go to their workplace, visit them, go on their ride-alongs. If they let you interview them, go interview them. Spend time with them if you can.