Growing up, I loved watching shows such as The First 48, Criminal Minds, CSI and NCIS. So, when it came time to apply to schools, I was in-between applying to a field in healthcare, which runs in the family or applying to a police foundations program.

The thought of having the ability to protect and serve my community is what drew me in. I chose Seneca as it was closest to home and my older brother had previously attended the Police Foundations program at Seneca as well, which made my choice much easier.

My experience at Seneca was incredible. From making lasting friendships with classmates, to keeping in touch with inspiring professors that are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and expertise, I really enjoyed being a student at Seneca.

A few things that positively impacted my Seneca experience were the environment, getting involved on campus and volunteering for events. It really changed the entire dynamic. Being able to interact with students outside of my program, speaking to future students and meeting other professors and faculty showed me that Seneca is truly an extremely welcoming environment for everyone.

I returned to Seneca five years after graduating from my diploma in Police Foundations. I was working full-time in the automotive industry as I was questioning whether a career as a police officer was for me, but I still wanted to be involved in law enforcement somehow. 

I remember sitting at work in 2018 and getting an email from Seneca regarding a new program – the Honours Bachelor of Crime & Intelligence Analysis degree program. I could not get it out of my head. I read the email repeatedly, looked at the curriculum and one day decided, “I’m going to apply.”

Once I was accepted, that’s when I realized I needed to give it my all. I quit my full-time job and opted for a part-time job that would allow me to make school my main priority. I started the program in January 2019 and from day one, I knew that this was the best decision I had ever made.

Truth be told, if someone asked my younger self if I ever saw myself doing my master’s, I would have laughed and said no. Once I completed my bachelor’s degree at Seneca, I landed a job in the field as an analyst. I thought to myself, “Why stop here? Let’s keep going.” My experience at Seneca, the support from the professors and the Chair opened my eyes as to what I was capable of and made me realize I could go much further.

What really prepared me for my master’s program at Wilfrid Laurier is the class materials that were taught in the Crime & Intelligence Analysis program. I refer to my school notes and use old textbooks as references in my papers. The degree program felt like a direct stepping-stone into my master’s program.

The master’s application process was quite different from Seneca as I had to submit references, write a letter of intent and submit a resumé that highlighted my educational background and relevant work experience. It was a longer process compared to my application at Seneca but in the end, it was worth it.

Going from a diploma to degree program was a big transition as I had been out of school for five years. However, once I was back in the classroom, engaging with my classmates, connecting with my professors, and getting involved at Seneca, my experience was completely different from my diploma program. I felt more engaged, not only in the classroom setting, but in the Seneca environment, which made me strive for excellence.

The transition from my degree to a master’s has been seamless. Despite having to end the final semesters of my degree program online, it really prepared me for my online master’s program. The degree program allowed me to continuously work on my writing and critical thinking skills, which has not only helped me in my master’s program, but also in my everyday job.

The biggest advantage I see in having a diploma, degree and master’s is having that educational expertise and experience. I had the ability to learn from various professionals who have worked or are currently working in the industry. Having years of professional experience is extremely important, but if you can pair that with education, I personally think it can take you very far.

It’s worth it. We often avoid doing certain things because of fear or lack of confidence. Sometimes all it takes is giving yourself that little push, outside of your comfort zone to enter the best experience of your life. Instead of wondering ‘what if’, just go for it.

The feeling you get when you complete something that you never saw yourself doing is incredible. Study hard. Engage with your peers and get to know your professors as it will completely change your experience whether you’re doing your diploma, degree or master’s.

Currently I am working full-time as an analyst at a police service while completing my master’s on a part-time basis. On top of that, I realized how important it is to be able to speak and write fluently in French, so I’ve been taking the part-time French Language Skill courses at Seneca. My goal is to complete the full certificate. I completed level one last month.

There is a possibility that when I complete my master’s, I will look into doctorate programs. I love the work I do as an analyst and was truly inspired by the Crime & Intelligence professors at Seneca and their expertise and knowledge. So, I hope to one day return to the Seneca classrooms, not as a student but as a professor and to be able to share my knowledge, experience and expertise.