By Denai Ivery
Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by the idea of justice and how society works to maintain peace and safety. My dream career is to work in criminal justice, ideally as a police officer or detective. The thought of helping people, solving crimes, and making a real impact in my community excites me. What first sparked my interest was watching documentaries about real-life investigations—I was amazed at the determination and teamwork it took to solve complex cases. That passion has only grown stronger over time.
Being a student at ASUPD is playing a huge role in preparing me for this career. Courses related to law, ethics, and criminal behavior have given me a strong foundation and a better understanding of what it really means to work in law enforcement. The teachers here are passionate, supportive, and have real-world experience, which makes learning even more meaningful. One of my favorite parts of ASUPD is the opportunity for concurrent enrollment, which lets me take college-level classes and get ahead in my education while still in high school. I’m also taking advantage of electives focused on public service and leadership, which help build the communication and critical thinking skills I’ll need on the job.
To keep moving toward my goals, I’ve started researching criminal justice programs at universities and exploring internship opportunities in local police departments. I’m also planning to connect with law enforcement professionals to ask questions, learn more about the day-to-day work, and gain advice on how to succeed in the field. Every step I take is building toward my future, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
If you’re still figuring out your own path, I encourage you to dream big and take advantage of everything ASUPD has to offer. The resources, courses, and support here can help turn your passion into a real plan. Your future starts now—make it count.
