Meet Sandra
Sandra | Class of 2012
Hometown: Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Major: Criminal Justice
Why did you choose Northwestern, and why did you choose your particular major?
I visited Northwestern because a few of my friends had, and one of my youth pastors had gone and was now working there. When I visited, I fell in love with the campus! Not only was it beautiful, but it had this pulse and this energy that I hadn't experienced at any other school. I knew I was home.
When/how did you decide what major you wanted to study?
I started as a journalism major, but I wasn't in love. I didn't feel passionate about what I was doing or learning. My minor was criminal justice and after taking Criminal Justice with Glee Hanson I knew I had found a major I cared about. I was excited for class and passionate about what we were learning.
Why is Northwestern a good place to study psychology/criminal justice?
It's an incredible Christ-centered atmosphere that creates a safe place to learn and discuss topics that are hard to handle. We're able to dive into topics most people don't want to handle and learn how to handle them while showing the love of Christ. Not only that, but the professors genuinly care! You will never find another school where you are on a first name basis with professors and they genuinly take time out of their day to counsel you on more than what classes to take, but the person you are becoming.
Most influential class so far?
The most influential class I've taken is Deviance. I have never had a class challenge me more or make me angrier. This class was hard and so frustrating at times, but I was challenged to push past everything I had always believed and see things from another lens. I was challenged to see things from a whole new perspective that would be crucial to my success in the future.
Most influential psychology/criminal justice professor?
Lyle Larson. Lyle has taught me so many things about criminal justice, about how to be successful in the future and how to have compassion for people that the world says don't deserve compassion.
How have you changed as a student at NWC?
I've grown up. I've learned what I believe and have been able to find a field that I'm passionate about. I've learned to trust God more and to trust in where He's leading.
How have you been stretched and challenged at NWC?
I've been pushed to see things from a perspective other than what I was raised with, to learn what I really believe and to have compassion for those who are hard to love.
What do you value most about NWC?
I value the community and the relationships I've built here. I've met some life-long friends here, and I love that we will always have NWC in common.
What would you like to do when you graduate from Northwestern?
I'd like to work as a Loss Prevention manager for Nordstrom and eventually be a Regional Internal Investigator for Nordstrom.
What is something that surprised you about Northwestern?
How warm and genuinly welcoming the professors at NWC are. Coming to college, I never expected to have professors who cared so much about their students.
What would you share with other prospective students considering your major at NWC?
I have loved Northwestern, and I don't think I would have been as happy anywhere else. I feel blessed to have such an incredible oppertunity to come here. Visit, sit in for a class, come to chapel, and you will experience an incredible school with an incredible community.
