Dallas Criminologist Uses Master's Degree To Create A New Path
Severina Ware is a police research specialist for the Dallas Police Department. She accesses and analyzes criminal suspect and offenses information, prepares special crime reports, graphics and statistical data to help keep the city safe. She earned a Master's of Applied Criminology completely online from Texas A&M University - Commerce.
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"Personally, it was a goal I had set years ago to pursue, and it was just a matter of deciding when I was prepared to go back to school."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"If I could share any advice it would be to make sure that you are studying a subject that you are invested in. After researching different schools and narrowing down what subject matter meant the most to my continued career path, this was the best investment for my personal and professional growth."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"My biggest challenge was time. I pursued my entire master's degree online, while working 40 hours a week, maintaining a social life and being a wife. During the times I would want to be out with friends or a commitment for work arose, I knew that I would have to dedicate an extra hour or two for school. This led to many late evenings of studying or weekends at home."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"The biggest reward in obtaining my master's degree was the understanding that nobody could take this away from me, and I had just created a new path for myself in my professional career. I had the privilege of knowing that I have created a threshold for my nieces, nephews, and future children to look upon for guidance and strength in reaching their goals."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com