It is time to say goodbye to another one of our star graduate assistants here in the Department–Eileen Nguyen.
Eileen graduated with her Master’s of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice this month. Like many of our graduate assistants, Eileen came to our attention as an undergrad criminology major, earning her bachelor’s degree in 2018. While pursuing this degree, she had an opportunity to intern at the Greene County Juvenile Office with their Abuse and Neglect Unit.
While navigating graduate coursework, Eileen was employed at Harmony House, a local domestic violence shelter, where she worked one-on-one with victims as an advocate and developed a passion for helping others. In the summer of 2020, she landed a job as a victim advocate at the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office. Eileen notes that at this job she gets “to work with victims of crime and help them through the criminal court process. This may include giving them court notification, getting them in touch with community resources, as well as attending court with them. I plan to work here after graduation and continue my work in advocacy.”
As a graduate assistant, Eileen helped out with a wide range of projects and eventually became the Department’s de facto ADA course compliance manager. In addition to receiving her master’s degree, she was among the first group of students to obtain our new crime prevention certificate. She is now considering the possibility of pursuing a Ph.D. or going to law school.
When thinking back on her time in the Department, Eileen states, “I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish these things without the education or connections I received.” She goes on to say that “I’m incredibly happy with the opportunities I’ve been given as well as the relationships I’ve made. I think hard work pays off, and I’m excited to graduate!”
We are excited for you as well, Eileen!
Good luck with all that awaits in the future.