Jennifer
HPHS student Jennifer plans to study forensic psychology so that she can serve as an expert in criminal cases. CYD’s Summer College Prep helped her identify her passion.
How do you combine an interest in psychology with a love of true crime documentaries? For Jennifer, an HPHS student from Queens, this path led her to decide on John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a major in forensic psychology. “I really like my major. Forensic psychologists serve as experts in court and do psych evaluations to determine whether a person is competent to stand trial.”
CYD’s Summer College Prep program helped her plan: “It helped me narrow down my college search and gave me a head start on my essay, my applications, and figuring out campus life. Without it I would have been lost. I had just wanted to apply to colleges anywhere, but I realized that staying in NYC was a better option for me and what I want to do.” During her senior year, Jennifer’s CYD advisor, Ms. Diane, helped “with the whole college process and keeping my nerves down. The college office helped me see things clearly.”
Jennifer started working at 16 and currently does customer service and family activities at a children’s theater in Times Square: “I like the fact that creative arts and theater bring a smile to people’s faces.” She plans to continue to work during college, and to continue her education: “In my field, a PhD is recommended.” A goal is to work on cases that “get less attention because of discrimination. I want to be in court and provide my expertise. I’m very proud of my choices because I’ve tried to work really hard.”
