Shaquera Robinson knows the struggles of the criminal justice system firsthand. As a survivor of domestic violence, she found it difficult to navigate the justice system without the leadership and guidance of her attorney during her own case.
“I remember sitting in the courtroom and seeing other victims and survivors struggling with the same lack of understanding,” said Shaquera. “I knew I had to do something, so I started to advocate for myself.”
Shortly after the trial, Shaquera decided to enroll in the Rasmussen College Criminal Justice program to take the first step toward advocating for herself. She wanted to develop a better sense of the criminal justice system and its multi-faceted layers and make an impact on the system and other people. Shaquera entered the new experience with an open mind and ready to take in all the substance of learning from her peers and professors.
Enrolling in the Rasmussen College Criminal Justice program was one of the best decisions Shaquera says she ever made. Her experience at Rasmussen College has been like no other educational experience. She was impressed and overwhelmed with joy by the professors in her program from the second she enrolled.
“My first interest in the field was learning the courtroom aesthetics and how to apply the definitions of legal terminology to my own case,” said Shaquera. “I was slowly able to make sense of a world that was previously foreign to me.”
Shaquera, a single mother of three children and an active member in her community, says she was hesitant about online courses. She worried her courses and classwork would interfere with her other responsibilities. But after the first few courses, she was blown away. She says the flexibility and ease of going to school through Rasmussen College changed her life and she gives all her thanks to her professors in the Criminal Justice program.
“My life has changed completely in meeting my peers through course projects, live classroom sessions and in developing a greater understanding of myself through the criminal justice system by my professors,” says Shaquera.
Shaquera has a new outlook on the criminal justice system now as she continues to look for ways to improve it. Her educational experience at Rasmussen College has played a crucial role in fostering the knowledge to make conscious changes. Rasmussen College has boosted Shaquera’s passion to be greater and achieve her dreams.
“I honestly feel like when criminal justice chose me, it had already hand-picked the leaders within Rasmussen to guide me,” said Shaquera. “I did not choose this field, it chose me! And because it chose me, I chose Rasmussen to begin my educational experience toward my criminal justice career. What an amazing choice I made.”
Shaquera plans to return to Rasmussen College to pursue a Master’s degree. She encourages all students looking for an inclusive, empowering learning experience to get stared today.
The Criminal Justice Leadership and Management Bachelor’s degree and Criminal Justice Associate’s degree programs have not been approved by any state professional licensing body, and the programs do not lead to any state-issued professional license. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence. Additional education, training, experience, and/or other eligibility criteria may apply.
In Minnesota, the Criminal Justice Associate’s degree program does not meet the standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board for persons who seek employment as a peace officer.
