what do ya think?

mandi48 · April 08, 2009, 07:12:06 AM

this is my essay for college. my major is going to be criminal justice. i'm really bad at writing so let me know what ya think...and any advice would be more than helpful

I had never been so exhausted in my life. In one week, I had experienced the most intense workout I had ever received. For the first time, I was forced to test my limits, and exceed them. For the first time, I had to sit in a hot humid room, filled with 92 other people, and wasn't able to leave. For the first time, I had to take orders without any complaints. It was the first time I truly didn't know what to expect next. It was the N.H Police Cadet Training Academy.
It's roughly five o'clock on Sunday morning; most kids during summer break would be fast asleep for a couple more hours. I however, was not. I had been woken up by the sound of a concussion grenades going off outside my room. I was now in a circle, along with about 150 other people, doing a series of crunches, push-ups, jumping jacks, mountain climbers, and ending with a mile run. Prior to the academy I wouldn't have considered myself "out of shape," I wasn't involved in any sports but I wasn't over weight. Looking on it now, I was "out of shape." During my time at the academy, and the intense work out, I never gave up. I found my physical limits and I surpassed them.
Although the academy improved my physical strength, it also improved my understanding of law enforcement. During my week at the academy, Most of the time was spent sitting in the gym at Hesser College, listening to guest speakers and taking notes. The guest speakers informed the class of their duties as well as the dangers of them. At one point in the middle of the night, the entire academy was woken up and led outside. Lying beside his cruiser was a fallen police officer, killed in the line of duty. The scene was staged of course, but as I walked along the fallen officer, examining the scene, a knot formed in my stomach. I was angry that the person responsible was still walking the streets. I was angry that this officer's family would have to be told that their loved one was murdered for trying to keep this country safe.
However, my greatest achievement wasn't gaining physical strength, and I wasn't gaining more knowledge of the law enforcement field. My greatest achievement was walking down the narrow, seat filled aisle, with my academy graduate certificate in my hand. On that Friday afternoon I had proved everyone wrong. I proved I could accept a challenge, and not walk away. I proved I could take orders, and be disciplined. Most of all, I proved that I wasn't weak.
The N.H Police Cadet Training Academy was one of the hardest things I had done. Every night I went to bed hoping morning sun wouldn't shine, because I didn't want to go through the painful physical training again. Every morning I counted the days until I was able to go home. But when the day finally came, I didn't want to leave. I had made so many new friends, that I'd probably never see again. And without realizing it, I had gained so much from this experience, and I wasn't ready to let it go.

browning204 · April 08, 2009, 07:52:53 AM

Good stuff. N.H academy? cool. I dabbled in CJ for a while. Life got in the way of me completing the training.

I am in S.NH, welcome to the site!

mandi48 · April 08, 2009, 01:07:07 PM

Quote from: browning204 on April 08, 2009, 07:52:53 AM

I am in S.NH, welcome to the site!

i am too!

Coulter · April 08, 2009, 03:07:55 PM

Hey Mandi,

Congrats on finishing the Academy...I completed my degree in CJ back in December of '07, unfortunately I haven't had any luck finding a position in that field since I graduated. Being willing to relocate may have helped me gain employment in the field, but circumstances have held me in the area I am in now.

My biggest piece of advice would be to not only listen to your instructors/professors, but to heed the advice they offer. Don't be like so many people that were in my classes and just roll the eyes and say "whatever"...they were pure idiots.

As far as PT goes one piece of advice I recall that I should follow more myself is regarding excercise. Once you have committed your body to the regimented detail of the academy don't stop it when you get home. My instructors exact words were "You're only cheating yourself" and he couldn't be more right.

Anyways, good luck with everything and I'd be happy to answer any questions if I can.

Steve

FinsnFur · April 08, 2009, 05:17:50 PM

The essay looks good from here Mandi. Good read too.
We do have a principle amongst us, maybe he'll stop in and correct your paper.

Actually now that I write that, I just remembered he's at an out of state national convention for the principals. Not sure if he's back yet or not.

alscalls · April 08, 2009, 05:27:04 PM

Ya done good kido.....I think that will be fine, and we wish you the best of luck.......
Even if you like Jimmie Johnson.......

coyotehunter_1 · April 08, 2009, 10:11:02 PM

Mandi,
It sounds like you're well on your way to reaching your goals, I admire your dedication. I believe you will soon find you have gained a lot more than you may suspect during your attendance at the academy. You accepted many challenges and over came them. Just like during the training, set your mind to the job at hand, you will succeed.

You have my respect, best of luck.

KySongDog · April 09, 2009, 06:43:50 AM

Looks good to me, Mandi.

Always remember these 5 Words............ "Never Give Up, Never Quit" and you will reach your goal. Good luck.

mandi48 · April 09, 2009, 07:18:15 AM

Thank you everyone, I think i have to make a few adjustments, but everyone's advice and comments were more the appreciated

browning204 · April 09, 2009, 08:00:44 AM

What exactly do you want to do in the CJ field?

browning204 · April 09, 2009, 08:01:41 AM

Quote from: mandi48 on April 08, 2009, 01:07:07 PM
Quote from: browning204 on April 08, 2009, 07:52:53 AM

I am in S.NH, welcome to the site!

i am too!

I know, that is why I said that. DUH!

mandi48 · April 09, 2009, 10:04:07 AM

Quote from: browning204 on April 09, 2009, 08:00:44 AM
What exactly do you want to do in the CJ field?

either go into law enforcement as an officer, or go into fish and game as a conservation officer.

mandi48 · April 09, 2009, 10:05:28 AM

Quote from: browning204 on April 09, 2009, 08:01:41 AM
[

I know, that is why I said that. DUH!

:laugh3:

browning204 · April 09, 2009, 11:49:09 AM

Quote from: mandi48 on April 09, 2009, 10:04:07 AM
Quote from: browning204 on April 09, 2009, 08:00:44 AM
What exactly do you want to do in the CJ field?

either go into law enforcement as an officer, or go into fish and game as a conservation officer.

Being a fish police would be cool. I would like to do that. An officer is cool but it is tough at first around here. Night shift, low pay, no detail and so on. But if you work throught it your good. At your age if you get into it and do it for a career you will be sitting pretty and retire good.

One thing that caught my eye is Border patrol. ONLY if I could be sure it would be on the NH/Canada border.

That would be cool. Check out hot french chicks coming into the states and then hunt and stuff on my days off in up state NH.

Good luck getting in! When you land a job, let me know what town, I will come up and we can have a high speed pursuit for fun!

JUST DON"T TASE ME!!!! that hurts!

mandi48 · April 09, 2009, 01:07:45 PM

Quote from: browning204 on April 09, 2009, 11:49:09 AM

Good luck getting in! When you land a job, let me know what town, I will come up and we can have a high speed pursuit for fun! JUST DON"T TASE ME!!!! that hurts!

will do

nastygunz · April 14, 2009, 02:03:10 PM

While I am no expert....I did sleep at a Best Western.....").......AND have an AAS in LE and a BS in CJ and an MS in Crim/Deviant Psych., ( thats why I like this site)...

....I liked your essay it was honest!...my only thought is it is focused heavily on the physical aspects of the academy...I would suggest putting a little more about the mental toughness you discovered in yourself during the academy...that type of thing...physical toughness is nothing without mental toughness...

...something like I discovered I could overcome and adapt to pt and physical challenges, but more importantly the academy brought out my mental toughness!...just a few thoughts.....now on to Coulter......

.....are you a youngish buck?....police oral boards love a high an tight haircut...(on men)....and a military background!...have you ever been in the military?...I have known several people who couldnt get jobs who joined the reserves and went to MP school then got out and were hired by departments....you ask around youll find the majority of LEO's are veterans....that shows the departments the candidate can handle the departmental routine...which are mostly paramilitary anyways...shifts, ranks, protocol, etc....ok thats it for now, #447 is 10-2 !!
P.S.

Another successful tactic is to get a job in corrections or on a department as a dispatcher then use those positions to springboard to patrol....those are 2 successful techniques I have seen numerous times....getting your foot in the door is the key....I have seen a lot of town departments certify their dispatchers as part-time officers to fill extra shifts and holidays and such...so dont snort at those type of jobs...sometimes the object you desire is not gained by storming the front door

...once you get certified part time you have a huge advantage when looking for full time...or your department will bump you to full time when theres an opening.

KySongDog · April 14, 2009, 02:18:44 PM

Hey Mandi, I hope your fond of donuts!

I hear that is the main requirement.

nastygunz · April 14, 2009, 02:28:15 PM

:roflmao:

mandi48 · April 15, 2009, 06:49:07 AM

Quote from: Semp on April 14, 2009, 02:18:44 PM
Hey Mandi, I hope your fond of donuts! I hear that is the main requirement.

choc. frosted with sprinkles is my favorite. Of course with my dunkin donuts coffee as well