Brooke's Educational Journey

So a little bit about me...my name is Brooke Coronado. I have been passionate about criminal justice since I was in high school. I realized this was my passion when I joined the club Partnerships for Career and College Success (PCCS) my sophomore year. I had originally been drawn to a nursing career until I participated in a 3 day job shadow with the Centralia Police Department. At the end of those 3 days I knew this was the path I wanted to take. After that I began doing more job shadows with the Carlyle Police Department and with the Clinton County Jail. I knew I wanted to be involved in some part of the criminal justice system. After graduating high school in 2010, I began to pursue a degree in Administration of Justice from Kaskaskia College. In 2011, I decided to join the United States Air Force as a Security Forces member, also known as Military Police. While in the Air Force I was stationed at Incirlik Air Force Base, Turkey and Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. My job ranged from the security of nuclear and conventional weapons to responding to situations on base. While stationed at Whiteman, I received certificates for Exceptionally Well Qualified in the positions of Patrolman, Security Response Team, and Installation Entry Controller. After separating from the military with an honorable discharge in 2015, it solidified my decision to pursue criminal justice as a major. I enrolled at Southwestern Illinois College and in May of 2017 I graduated with my Associates Degree in Administration of Justice. While attending SWIC, I was apart of the honor society known as Phi Theta Kappa, was on the Dean's List, and graduated with academic honors. After graduating I transferred to Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville where I am currently working to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Administration of Justice.

This study abroad will benefit me in broadening my experience and education. I will be able to learn about Amsterdam's Criminal Justice system and will gain insight on their police, court system, correctional system, and the Dutch method of addressing victimless crimes. I will have the opportunity to interact with Dutch police officers, correctional workers, the Dutch court system and community agencies addressing issues related to drugs and prostitution. I believe this will give me a new perspective on how criminal justice systems across the world operate and how it is impacting crime within their country. I hope that you will help me in continuing my educational journey. It would be a privilege to be able to attend. Any amount of donation will make all the difference. Thank you!