Alaina DiMaria ‘17

Alaina DiMaria

"After I graduate I plan to work in the criminal justice field. I am currently working with a career mentor, who is a police officer, through the mentor program. I would like to become a police officer and from there hopefully work for the FBI or CIA. I also plan on attending graduate school. My focus is integrating more psychology with criminal justice.

"I first began my college studies at Suffolk. From there I transferred to a private four-year university on Long Island. I was planning on doing commercial car photography but unfortunately the education at the university was horrible and I would have ended up with a lot of student debt and little to no career options.

"Since I have a love for criminal justice I decided to switch my major. After hearing so many wonderful things about St. Joseph’s I decided to make the switch. I can understand why so many people love it! My professors are amazing, there is a great sense of community, and the staff at St. Joseph's are dedicated to making sure you succeed. I absolutely love what I do to the point where if I'm no sleeping, eating, at work or at lectures I'm busying studying for my classes and reading.

I am currently involved in the criminal justice club at St. Joseph’s. There are so many clubs that it is easy for anyone to find something they are interested in. Everyone works together as a team to make sure every student feels welcome.

"I am also involved with the career mentoring program which is absolutely fantastic! I highly recommend it for all students who take their future seriously. They alumni association will interview the student and then match them with a mentor who is working in the field that the student is interested in. They screen the mentors too and make sure that your personalities are a good fit.

I don't think many students realize that in order to be successful you need to take action. Your future just won't fall in your lap, you need to go out and seek it. Make sure that you're passionate about what you're doing!

"I would highly recommend St. Josephs to any prospective student whether they are coming straight from high school or transferring from another college."

Who was your favorite professor?

"Honestly, all of my professors are absolutely amazing! I was very impressed with the experience all of my professors have had. This semester I have Elliot Cook (criminal justice administration), Paul Magger (civil rights and liberties), George Fertal (CSI), Ana Thompson (forensic psychology), S. Frank (transfer orientation) and Dr. Amy Poland (criminology). I could not honestly tell you a favorite since I absolutely love them all. Most people do not get nearly as excited as I do for my lectures!"

Favorite book/quote?

"Memories, Dreams, Reflections, an autobiography of Carl Jung's life."

"Man must rise above the Earth — to the top of the atmosphere and beyond — for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives." — Socrates

What do you do in your spare time?

"What most people may not know about me is that my version of taking 'me time' involves reading about quantum physics and astronomy. We only know 4% of our universe yet scientists can study subatomic particles which have a major influence in our universe. I like to take a step back every night and remind myself that there is something far bigger and greater than me out there. It is what inspires me and gives me hope."

Have you been a part of any service activities that were meaningful to you?

"On Saturday mornings I volunteer at the VA departments hospital in Northport. I created a photography program for veterans. Aside from criminal justice I am passionate about helping veterans who have both physical injuries and mental injuries. Although there are negative comments about the VA I want to inspire the veterans to let them know that there are some of us there who really do care about them and want to make sure they succeed in life."