Manuel’s academic career started before he joined law
enforcement, earning an associate’s degree with plans to complete a bachelor’s
soon after. However, life took a different course for him, putting his
educational goals on hold. It was not until he attended the LCC program as part
of his leadership development that his perspective on the value of education
shifted.
“During my time at LCC, a lecturer shared an acronym: TEE,
which stands for Time, Education and Experience,”
Manuel said. “When the time comes for promotion, your preparation through
education and experience will determine whether you’re truly ready. For some,
that time may only knock once.”
Motivated by this message, Manuel spoke with an advisor at SHSU
the next day. He immediately enrolled after finding out he was only 42 credits
shy of a bachelor’s degree. At this time, he was working more than 50 hours a
week and still completing his final module at LCC.
“Being a full-time student while working 50–60 hours a week
was a challenge,” Manuel said. “Time was a very limited resource—but once I
started, I cut out the non-essential parts of my day and made it work.”
Although the journey to the finish line was filled with obstacles,
Manuel’s dedication, combined with the support of LCC, helped maintain his
perseverance.
“It wasn’t easy, but it was possible thanks to the
encouragement and wisdom shared by the LCC staff,” he said. “They reignited a
fire in me not just to finish what I’d started, but to aim even higher—to be a
more prepared, educated, and professional law enforcement
officer representing my agency with pride.”
With a career-long goal now checked off his list, Manuel is
ready to take on his next academic challenge. He will continue his educational
journey with SHSU, beginning the Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Leadership and Management program this fall.
“Now that my undergraduate studies are complete, I suddenly
have more free time, and honestly, I find myself a little bored in the evenings,”
Manuel said. “I’m looking forward to higher-level learning, developing stronger
critical thinking skills, and accomplishing this next goal.”
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This article was originally published by Today@Sam on Sam Houston State University's website.