Personal Narrative: Criminal Justice

Something happened my sophomore year of high school that little did I know would change my perspective, not only of myself, but life in general. I was looking for something new and exciting to enhance my high school existence and decided to give the Criminal Justice Club a try. I was familiar with the advisor of the club, but knew that the club had astigmatism for attracting those students who were just looking for something easy to do. I knew about the criminal justice system, but only what they show on Law and Order. However, I immediately fell in love, not only with the club but the entire prospect of Criminal Justice. I stepped into the club as if it were a place I belonged and easily became a leader. I was able to learn things the TV shows

After only a few months in the club, I received a letter in the mail from Washington D.C. It was an official invitation to the Law and CSI National Youth Leadership Forum. Beyond being ecstatic for even receiving the invitation, I was even more excited to learn that I was the only student from Central Dauphin High School nominated by the advisor It was thrilling to know that I was able to accomplish so much in such little time. Not only was I nominated, I was hand selected from thousands of students throughout the entire United States. I was shocked and couldn’t believe I was going to make Washington D.C. my home for an entire week. I quickly started digging out all of my business attire and began packing for the trip that would change my entire perception on life. After a few long months of fund-raising money and long awaited nerves, I was finally on my way to the capital of the United States. I did not know what to expect from the conference and was fighting off nervous butterflies when my mom dropped me off at very large and beautiful hotel right outside of Washington D.C. Within the first five minutes of being there I was handed an extremely strict itinerary, an I.D. badge, and a room assignment. The second I walked into room 232, two other girls were already in there waiting for me. I came to know these girls as my roommates. After meeting with my roommates,

These are people who in one week, not only became lifelong friends and mentors, but were able to teach me valuable lessons about life, friendship, and leadership that I will carry with me throughout life. The group leaders were able to teach me lessons that I would not have gotten anywhere else. The National Youth and Leadership Forum opened many opportunities for me as a young adult and I would not have changed it for the world. The conference taught me not only leadership skills but allowed me to meet people and form bonds that I never thought