by Victoria Stachowiak
In the sixth grade, I made a presentation about what I wanted to be when I grew up. Imagine an 11-year-old girl, likely with a bow in her hair and pink shoes, saying she wanted to be an FBI agent. It sounds like she had been watching too much NCIS. I had little knowledge about how to achieve this dream or what the job would entail. Overtime, the answers would become clearer. I would major in Criminology and Psychology with a minor in Arabic with the intention to join the Navy and attend law school. However, I still didn’t know much about being an FBI agent aside from what I had read online. That would change after an opportunity provided by Beyond120.
When I received an email about an FBI excursion hosted by Beyond120 I was immediately interested. We would go the FBI Tampa Field Office, everything was already arranged, lunch would be provided, and all I had to do was apply. After submitting my application and being accepted, I started to craft my questions. Attendees were told there would be a Q&A panel with FBI agents and then we would tour the building. The experience was unreal and I learned invaluable information. I was able to hear from Special Agents about their journeys to the FBI, their current role, and all the possibilities available throughout the bureau. For me, this excursion cemented my decision to join the FBI when I am eligible. While on this trip, I could envision myself working for the agency and it filled me with excitement for my future after graduation.
Being a Beyond120 ambassador for the past year, I have been able to participate in countless events to help students improve their professional skills or explore experiential opportunities. This program demonstrates that there is more to college than simply earning your degree. During your four years, you can engage in activities that help prepare you for life after college. After attending the FBI excursion in Tampa, I now understand why the excursions are so popular and beneficial to students. There are certain things you can’t learn in class and I am so grateful I was able to go. I am excited for my future with Beyond120 and, hopefully one day, with the FBI.
