Dallas 911 Operator Gives The 411 On Higher Education
Melinda Jones is a 911 operator for the Garland Police Department. The Texas-native attended Richland College and then transferred to the University of North Texas to finish her studies in criminal justice and law enforcement administration. She is working on a master's degree in criminal justice and safety from Lamar University.
Why are you pursing a master's degree?
"I decided to pursue my master's degree because there are not many people who continue their education beyond their bachelor's degree. Being an African American female, I feel the need to further my education and obtain more certifications to better represent myself when approaching employers during interviews in order to put me ahead of the competitors in the running for the same position."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"Do it. There are many different programs online, on campus, or hybrids (both online and on campus) that you can choose from to better accommodate you in a shorter time period than it took to obtain a bachelor's degree. At this age, we have better time management skills, financial guidance, and a realistic outlook on life to take a career enhancing opportunity like this more seriously."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"Upon enrollment, I was training at my job as a 911 communications specialist. This was by far the most difficult time considering that I was being held responsible for the lives of officers and citizens and enrolled as a full time graduate student (nine hours over two eight-week periods for the semester). I faced challenges like being required to stay four hours late or come in four hours early. I also worked overtime to afford living alone and paying for supplies all while trying to pass training to keep my job. It was challenging but worth it."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"I am 12-credit hours away from achieving my master's degree in spring 2016. Obtaining my master's degree will open many career-driven doors for me. I realize that without the master's degree I may not have those opportunities."
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
