I Make a Difference

By Michael Espinoza on October 18, 2012

What do you make? It’s a question I get asked often by my students who want to be a police officer because for whatever reason, they think law enforcement officers get paid well. I give my students the whole truth, and often times students become even more motivated to pursue a career in law enforcement because they didn’t realize how honorable a profession it really is.

Being a police officer myself, this makes me very proud. Below is a quote I read to my students to show them it’s not about how much money you make, but how police officers make a difference. Feel free to share, the next time you get asked why you want to work in law enforcement.

“Oh... you're a Cop?? That's cool. I wanted to do that when I was a kid. What do you make? WHAT DO I MAKE?? I make holding your hand seem like the biggest thing in the world when someone just tried to hurt you. I make 5 minutes seem like a lifetime when I am fighting a suspect while waiting for back up. I make those annoying sirens seem like angels when you need them. I can make your children breathe when they stop. I make myself get out of bed at 3:00 a.m. to risk my life to save people I've never met. I make it possible to keep back the chaos every day. I make going to work for your family's safety a duty that I will die for. I make myself work holidays, weekends, nights, during snow storms and other disasters. Today, I might make the ultimate sacrifice to save your life. I make a difference. What do you make?"

- Author Unknown

Tags: criminal justice,justice studies,justice studies careers,law enforcement,

External links provided on Rasmussen.edu are for reference only. Rasmussen College does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced.

Michael Espinoza

Michael Espinoza is a School of Justice Studies Instructor at Rasmussen College in Aurora/Naperville. He has been teaching for more than three years. Prior to teaching, Michael was a Chicago Police Officer. In September, 2011 he joined a suburban Chicago police department, which allows him to stay current on what’s going on in the law enforcement field. In his spare time, Michael likes to “let his hair down” and ride his Harley.

comments powered by Disqus

Request Program Information

By submitting this form, I agree that I may be contacted by telephone, email, text and mail.
Privacy and Consent
This information will be used to contact you through various means, which may include: phone, voice messages, text messaging, email, and postal mail about the programs and services that are offered. By submitting your information you agree to be contacted. We do not share your personal information with outside parties without your permission unless legally required.