A SUMMER OF OPPORTUNITY From Los Angeles to Virginia, students were around the country over the summer completing internships and gaining real-world experience in their chosen fields.
BEHIND THE BADGE Daniela Hernandez, a dedicated senior double majoring in criminal justice and psychology, returned to her hometown of Los Angeles and completed a transformative summer internship with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Through this opportunity, she gained an insider’s perspective on the workings of a police department and realized a dream she has had for years. “As long as I can remember I wanted to help people and make a difference in someone’s day. When I started looking at career paths, I saw that police officers have more opportunities to help people,” said Hernandez. “As I looked into it more, I discovered this was the right choice for me, and this internship only secured that decision.”
Her passion for law enforcement and commitment to making a difference in her community was evident throughout her internship, where she actively engaged in various aspects of police work, from participating in simulated scenarios to observing field operations and going on ride-alongs. There were times when she and other officers were met with unkind gestures and derogatory slurs. She was even cautioned to pack her own lunch in case restaurant workers with unfavorable views of law enforcement were tempted to tamper with her food.
“An LAPD sergeant gave me some good advice to deal with the disrespect we encountered on the job. He encouraged me to find the good in every day and show people the human behind the uniform,” said Hernandez. “When I become a police officer, I will interact with people and show them I’m not someone to be afraid of, but I am there to help and protect people.” 10
UPIKE MAGAZINE | FALL/WINTER 2023
Hernandez chose UPIKE for the family atmosphere and serves as president of the Student Government Association (SGA), and vice president of the Criminal Justice Honor Society, all while maintaining her practice and game schedule on the women’s volleyball team. Her leadership in SGA and teamwork on the court mirror her dedication to collaboration and effective communication in her chosen field of study. She seamlessly balances her academic pursuits with her athletic commitment, preparing her for a future in law enforcement. “This experience made me want to be in law enforcement even more. And even though it was rough at times, I still want to be a police officer in a city because it’s a faster pace and that fits with what I’m comfortable with,” said Hernandez. “If I know that I can help one person, that makes up for the hundred others who may dislike me because Iʼm in a uniform. I want to help the ones who can’t help themselves.” Hernandez credits criminal justice professors Tim Roberts ’02, Ph.D., and Justin Hazelwood, M.S., for believing in her, encouraging her to apply for the internship and helping her through every step of the process. “My professors have been nothing short of amazing and supportive,” said Hernandez. “Even now, they are continuing to help me apply for the police academy and get right mentally and physically so that I can pass with flying colors. They want to see me succeed and they are making sure they do everything in their power for that to happen.”
By AMY CHARLES, MBA ’23
