ALUMNA INSPIRED TO PROTECT & SERVE THE PUBLIC

Jessica Porter entered the Criminal Justice program at Lake Land College planning to become a homicide detective. Once there, however, she found that there were many other career options available to her within the program, and she is now the deputy sheriff assigned to correction at the Cook County Jail.

“Dave Chambers saw the potential in me, even when I thought I didn’t have it,” Porter said.

“Figuring out what I wanted to do and having Dave there to give me hope was very helpful.”

One experience Porter said impacted her deeply from her time at Lake Land was going to see an autopsy, as she said it solidified her determination to continue in the program. The program also featured FBI agents as guest speakers, and even assistance with job recommendations after graduation.

“I just knew I could do this,” Porter said. “The program was stressful, but it was interesting and that was what kept me wanting to go into this degree. With any police job, you have to have a strong mentality for it.”

For others interested in criminal justice, Porter said the most important thing would be to read the materials the instructors provide.

“At Lake Land they give you everything you need,” Porter said. “It’s up to you to read it, study it and remember as much of it as you can so you can take that with you into your career.”

Porter also praised the interactivity and camaraderie Lake Land provided during her studies.

“Lake Land gives you the opportunity to challenge each other and even challenge the teacher,” Porter said. “If you understand something different than the teacher, having the opportunity to bounce ideas back and forth is a great way to make sure you understand the material.”