A "Typical" Day in the police force goes a lot like...
"There is no typical day! I just know for sure when I get on, that I'm going home that night," says Jennifer. While she knows that no day will be like the last, patrol officer Jennifer Perez is certain that this job provides her with fulfillment and purpose. Delia, a Field Training Officer, gets the opportunity to train others in the field. If you have seen the film Training Day, you have an idea of what Delia does. In the film, Denzel Washington's character takes the new recruit out to show him the ropes on his first day. Unfortunately, Denzel's character turns out to be a corrupt cop. Delia does this, except, according to her, "ethical and nicer." Teaching new recruits how to handle the situations that they will encounter in the field exemplifies leadership and service.
Elizabeth Sosa's work is a bit different. As a Supervisor of Placement, she oversees "placement matches for youth and supervising the youth that are court ordered to residential treatment facility." Her day involves reviewing case history in order to best serve our youth on probation. With her position, it is all about building relationships with the children and their families during the duration of the program. "As a probation officer, being able to build a rapport with the youth and the family will assist in the youth being successful on probation," she says.
Alumni Spotlight
KAPPA DELTA CHI SISTERS SHARE THEIR STORIES AS LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS
Chicago 2015
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Nellie Flores Ledesma
Kenia Garcia is junior at Texas Tech University, Alpha Chapter, with a major in Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Spanish. She is currently doing a study aboard program in Europe.
Please provide a brief history/autobiography about yourself -
Being born in a small border town in South TX as the daughter of immigrants, I never thought I would get the opportunity to study abroad in Europe. I enrolled in Texas Tech University as a sophomore with the goal of eventually becoming a physical therapist. Now, as a junior, I am grateful for the opportunity to attend a phenomenal university that has given me the chance to gain world knowledge.
Are you doing this program because of your major?
-I am enrolled in this program to meet the requirements for my Spanish minor.
If so, How has it helped you grow knowledge in your major?
For my minor, it has improved my Spanish linguistics skills immensely and allowed me to learn about a new culture.
Is this a job/career (program) that you’ve dreamed about since a child or was this a career you never imagined having?
The idea of studying abroad has been on my mind since my freshman year when I attended the first study abroad fair and have been dreaming about the possibility ever since.
Is it what you thought it was going to be? Why or why not?
This is more than what I ever imagined. I have come to love Spain and all it’s features. Even though it is completely opposite than my life back home in Lubbock, I have adapted and learned to embrace the different habits that make this culture what it is.
What is a typical conflict that you
have encountered (if any) that KDChi has taught you to deal with or resolve?
As a KDChi, we respect everyone and show kindness. Traveling around Europe, I have encountered people that have come off as rude due to discrimination and such. It is disturbing to watch and worse to
experience, being a KDChi I know how to treat others and be considerate.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
“Don’t live your life thinking you have time”
What are some plans for the future pertaining to your career? Do you feel this experience was beneficial towards your career (major)
It is a goal of mine to bridge the barrier between Spanish speaking individuals and the English speaking population. Becoming a physical therapist who is fluent in both languages can only help make this possible.
What resources did you use to get where you are?
I visited the International Cultural Center at Texas Tech to receive information on studying abroad; from there everything was simple. The staff
is definitely ready to help in any way that they can. They offer scholarships and advice easily accessible.
What is some advice you would give a sister if they were considering doing a program abroad or working abroad?
Don’t hold back. Whatever country you choose, whatever the price, do it and stay for as long as possible. Travel to different and unknown places and don’t be scared to be alone.
What has been the most difficult transition of living in another part of the world?
I have been affected the most by the language barrier. Everywhere you go, any question you have has to be in their language and it can be frustrating when you can’t communicate with your server, cab driver, or even asking for directions but it is an experience worth learning.
What is something you have learned culturally from this experience?
The biggest culture shock was the diet here in Spain. Food is such an important factor to your health and it has taken some getting used to.
Have you gotten to experience different traditions? Which one has been your favorite?
In Seville, Spain, one of the biggest traditions is the Sevillanas dance. Everyone in the city knows the dance, young or old, and it is a beautiful scene to watch and listen to.
Kenia Garcia - Alpha