Interview with Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU) Criminal Justice and Criminology Students
By Shaadiya Mohammed
Following the recent endeavors of Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU) Criminal Justice and Criminology students in the Netherlands, the Safety and Security Management students at The Hague University of Applied Sciences (THUAS) were given the opportunity to interact with and learn about the former’s culture, university, and life across the Atlantic. In this article, we will gain insight into some MSU Denver students’ childhoods/backgrounds and how their decisions to study criminal justice and/or criminology were affected by their upbringing. Additionally, this article will delve into their experiences at university and the impact of the American political climate on their studies.
Background
When asked about their life before university, Alberto Escalera said, “I grew up in … the outskirts of downtown Denver in the Athmar Park area. I attended Goldrick Elementary, then Denver School of Science and Technology (DSST) Byers Middle School, and then DSST Byers High School, where I ended up graduating from.”
Aliza Garcia’s response highlighted her time across multiple states, “I was born in Texas but raised in Colorado from the age of 4; I attended Cherry Creek High School and Community College of Denver before MSU Denver.”
During their childhoods, Escalera did not yet know of his interest in Criminal Justice/Criminology (CJC). “I did not know at a young age that I wanted to study CJC. For a long time, I actually wanted to work in the medical field. I wanted to pursue Orthopedic medicine, but then switched to nursing, and then landed at CJC after working with victims/officers and [District Attorneys] during my job … I have lived many lives.” Additionally, Escalera is the first in his family to pursue higher education after gaining a high school diploma. Escalera intends to graduate from university and continue with graduate school to get his Juris Doctor degree (the US equivalent to an L.L.M.).
Garcia, however, was interested in CJC from an early age, but did not know which part of the criminal justice system she wanted to play a role in. “Growing up, I used to watch ‘Forensic Files’, ‘First 48 Hours’, and ‘Dateline’, which I believe helped sway my interest in criminal justice.”
Studying Criminal Justice and Criminology (CJC)
When asked about their reason for studying Criminal Justice/Criminology, Escalera’s response was, “I wanted to study CJC as at my job I had to work with offenders who, after listening and understanding their story, were victims themselves that were failed by the United States Justice System. I also wanted to study CJC as I want to become a prosecutor who can take the steps to implement reform into our system while also supporting both victims and offenders.”
For Garcia, the interest began much earlier in her life, “Growing up, I witnessed the injustice of my father being treated unfairly due to his prior conviction, which I felt was wrong. He served his time, went through the proper rehabilitation process, and has not committed a crime since then, but people still labeled him as a criminal everywhere he went.”
Neither student has plans to undertake a (traditional) Master’s or PHD after they graduate with their Bachelor’s degree, “I want to first obtain my law degree and then see what the future holds regarding my career,” Escalera said. Alternatively, Garcia plans to enter the workforce immediately, “I would like to work in the field of my study a bit before deciding [on if I will go to graduate school].”
Additionally, both students feel comfortable and passionate about studying CJC. Escalera shared, “While studying CJC, I do feel like I’ve found my niche specifically in victimology and the legislative process. I discovered … while taking a few constitutional law … and victimology [courses], that our system does not support or help victims. I also learned that our system fails to draft supportive legislative initiatives for both offenders and victims. I’m making it my mission to begin the steps to change this.” Garcia proclaimed that CJC was the best career choice she made because of her passion and dedication to the subject.
Both students are seniors at MSU studying CJC. They have personalized their studies by choosing different minors. Escalera’s minor is Legal Studies, whereas Garcia has taken on Sociology.
While studying CJC, both students experienced struggles, but in drastically different ways. “I haven’t had any notable major academic struggles outside of breaking up my reading and time management. I overcame my struggles by setting a schedule for myself and being very disciplined when it came to taking breaks and managing my time. I would advise students experiencing similar struggles to prioritize themselves first and check in on their mental health. I would also say find a hobby away from your studies, as this subject can take over your life, and it’s good to have a balance between professional and personal,” Escalera said. The other student’s struggle was a factor that she, however, could not control. “My parents struggled financially throughout my life. My father dropped out of high school, and my mother never completed her college endeavors. Due to this, I feel that my education suffered because of the instability at home. It wasn’t until college that my circumstances changed for the better, and I was able to fully invest in my education. But looking back, I feel that I could’ve gone much further if I had a stable life growing up. However, my struggles have taught me that my desire to succeed is greater than my fear of failure,” Garcia recalled.
Navigating to Careers
These students, along with many university students, have part-time and/or full-time jobs alongside studying their course. “So far, I have worked two full-time jobs. In my first job, I worked retail at Dick’s Sporting Goods in multiple positions, but my favorite was their Loss Prevention Manager role. During this role, I was introduced to how to investigate and how the CJC system works as it relates to theft. As of … late, I took a similar role at Sephora, another retail brand, where I work as their asset protection business partner and could incorporate what I have learned thus far in my studies,” Escalera stated. Working in a related field to one’s study is an opportunity that both students were afforded. “I have been working since I was fourteen years old, with my first job being at a children’s amusement park. Then I worked in a variety of restaurants before I went into security work. Throughout my college career, I have worked part-time as a security guard for an art museum. During the first few years of college, my student loans from the government did not cover all of my expenses, so I had to pay an estimated $15K out of pocket, which is the equivalent of 12,750 euros; while still having to pay my student loans at a later date back which is around $50K,” Garcia said.
As seniors in university, these students will soon be entering the job market, aspiring for a job that fits their needs and wants. When asked about a potential occupation after their studies, Escalera stated, “After my studies, before transitioning into law school, I plan on landing a clerkship or an internship at my state’s capital or judicial department to gain more experience and explore my strengths and weaknesses before making the huge financial commitment to law school.” On the other hand, Garcia said, “I plan to go into criminal justice case management after I complete my studies. This entails supporting individuals in the criminal justice system to address their needs in rehabilitation.” These two students serve as a perfect example for other university students, as they demonstrate that taking different paths from your classmates and colleagues is normal.
Students’ Perspectives on Current Political Events
When asked if they felt there was a link/connection between the recent political events and their study, their responses were strong. “Given the recent political events, I do feel like they have a link/connection to my study. Overall, as a student of color in this field, it’s a challenge to see injustice and not want to take action. While it may be easy to walk away and stay silent, it’s more important than ever to keep groups like us alive and loud during this difficult time,” Escalera stated. Garcia’s response was less personal but addressed the national policy concerns: “Yes, Donald Trump has severely reduced program budgets like Medicaid, funded mental health, substance abuse treatment, and food support such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which indirectly affect criminal justice casework by increasing client instability and limiting access to essential rehabilitation resources.”
MSU and THUAS
As expected of the two different cultures between Europe and the United States, these students did find some differences in the university experience here at THUAS versus at MSU. “One major difference I would say between the institutions is that, because the culture is built around public transportation in THUAS, students’ access to the campus and resources is more available. Whereas in the States, this is the exact opposite, and students … struggle to access not only the campus but the resources it offers. I would also say a major difference is the education paths, where as at MSU there’s a clear graduation path and time frame, whereas in THUAS there are multiple levels and degrees to obtain to move along in education. One last difference I would say is the student culture and connection. During the tour, I saw many students at THUAS working together and actively on campus (groups, events, studying together, researching, etc), whereas at MSU, although we have the same programs and student initiatives, we lack connection and turnout due to factors that are independent of each student and how our university is designed.” Escalera said. “One difference that I have seen between both institutions is that THUAS graduation timeline requires different experiences, such as a mandatory internship to graduate. MSU Denver does not require an internship to graduate, but it is highly encouraged,” Garcia noted.
The students also identified some similarities. “One similarity between the two institutions is that the students experience similar struggles and similar backgrounds that helped us connect. Another is that both institutions have local taverns that the students go to to decompress and have a good time, something that we’ll use at least in the States during midterms and finals. One last similarity is that both institutions provide many paths to support students and make college the best experience it can be,” Escalera stated.
MSU students also had some thoughts on the THUAS college experience. Escalera said, “One thing I like about the THUAS college experience is the students. It was awesome to be able to relate to so many things and share similar experiences. It was awesome to hang out and spend time during the trip.” Garcia appreciated the lack of shame about academic struggles and seeking help when needed, noting the positive atmosphere and ability to make mistakes at THUAS. “I feel that the U.S. shames students who are neurodivergent.” There were no dislikes that they found of the THUAS college experience during their time, except the cold, because it’s hard to get used to.
When asked if there was anything they thought MSU could adopt from THUAS, Escalera’s response was, “One thing I wish the MSU College system could adopt is more class variety and specialization, as a lot of our courses tend to repeat information and lack real-world application sometimes, which THUAS does well in supporting its students in real-world application of the material learned.” Garcia said, “I wish MSU Denver could adopt test retakes for every test from the THUAS college system. At MSU Denver, students only get one chance at a test and usually cannot retake it for a better grade.”
Conclusion and Advice
“For advice to the SSMS students, I would say keep setting the standard and an example of what a student org[anization] should be and do. I would also say to keep being true to yourself and keep being awesome students and people.” Escalera stated. The other student, Garcia, said, “Feel passionate about the career that you are pursuing so that you can always feel determined to succeed. Never let someone limit your opportunities.” Both students would like SSMS students to know that, “MSU and THUAS students are more connected even though we’re both halfway across the globe in all ways: culture, backgrounds, and experiences.” and “Do not feel discouraged to finish college as life will always throw obstacles and challenges your way. You have to persevere and remember the reason why you chose to pursue your goal, ambition, and dreams.”
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