Meet Jamie: Probation & Parole Intern
It goes without saying that a strong work ethic has propelled Jaime to reach his goals. “I started working when I was 7 years old. If you wanted to eat, you had to work.” As an adult, Jaime started his own cleaning business to support his family. After decades of building his business, he decided it was time to pursue a long-time goal, returning to school and earning a degree in Criminal Justice. But Jaime’s dedication doesn’t end there, he still works evenings, going to school during the day, and completing a Probation & Parole internship with PPO Gina Clanton in DCJ’s Southwest Generic Unit. It just makes sense that someone who has had to take a long-term approach to accomplishing big goals would make a great teacher for people trying to make positive changes in their own lives.
When asked about how he hopes to apply his education and experience to a new career path, Jaime shares that he hopes to work with teenagers involved in the justice system. He understands how the power of education can transform a person’s trajectory. “Sometimes young people lack the resources and essential supports at home. Kids who have a solid family system tend to do better, and I would like to provide that for those who don’t.” I ask Jaime to share more about why he wants to be that support and he recalls a recent class visit to a courtroom where a young person was going to trial. “It was devastating to see how things can go the wrong way.” “If we really want to help our youth, we have to make adjustments to connect with them. We all have commitments, but they (kids) should be our priority.”
Though Jaime hopes to work with young people in the future, he finds his internship in the Adult Services Division equally engaging. I ask him what he has found most interesting or surprising about his internship and he notes the professionalism of the staff. “We stay unbiased. We are here to accomplish the goals, regardless of the person’s previous actions. I think it’s great.” At the same time, Jaime is aware that change is a long-game. “I’m a very patient person. If there’s something you want to change - take the time to focus on that.”
And with that focus, Jaime has been able to see the positive effect it has had on his family and friends. “I see a lot my family members looking up to me. Going back to school and pursuing what I’ve always want to do. My family is happy that I chose to do that, and I’m happy about my choice, too. I’m not looking to make a living off of this. As long as I can help somehow - that would be a very rewarding thing for me.”