College of Liberal Arts
Justice major Jazz Creviston chose ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ for its flexibility and affordability, then discovered a program that challenged her to think critically, step outside her comfort zone and see the world from new perspectives. Along the way, supportive faculty helped inspire her interest in foreign languages and studying abroad, preparing her for whatever comes next.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm Jazz. My major is justice, and my minor is foreign language. I love the outdoors.
What brought you to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, and what made you decide it was the right place for you?
I chose ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ because of its location and the great options for online classes. I also liked the cost of tuition.
In your own words, why study the liberal arts?
I think studying the liberal arts is important because it provides perspective and helps you develop critical-thinking skills. For example, in justice, we learn to see things from the perspective of the public, the police and people in other countries. A lot of assignments ask us to take what we know and think critically about how it can be applied to improve justice. Seeing things from different perspectives can improve understanding. Critical thinking helps improve decision-making.
What has your experience been like in the Department of Justice?
I've had an amazing experience with the Department of Justice. The professors have been extremely helpful and are very knowledgeable in the areas they teach. I'm not sure exactly how it's different from other departments because I haven't experienced them, but most of my classes have been online, and I've never had any trouble communicating with my professors.
How has your time at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ changed you, either academically, personally, or professionally?
ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ has helped me change both academically and professionally by pushing me to step out of my comfort zone and showing me what I can accomplish. I feel much more confident than when I started.
When I first started at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, I was nervous about my classes. I didn't really know what I was getting into, but now I feel ready to take on whatever comes next. I feel like I have a lot more knowledge in my field, and I can honestly say, "I actually know something about justice now."
Was there a professor, mentor, or community that made a big impact on your journey? How?
Most of the professors I've had have made an impact on my experience at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, but Professor Aragon-Stewart, my Spanish professor, has had an especially big influence. She inspired me to make foreign language my minor and to study abroad in Spain this summer.
What’s one experience at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ that really stands out to you, and why?
It's somewhat random. One experience at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ that stands out to me was a corrections class I took with Dr. Black. This class stands out because a couple of assignments required that I find someone to interview. I had to step outside my comfort zone to find and interview someone. It made my experience at ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ feel more interactive, and I did something I wouldn't normally have done.
What are you excited about next, and how has ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ prepared you for it?
The next thing I'm excited about is earning another degree. ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ has helped me navigate college and shown me that as long as I put in the time, I can do it. It's prepared me for what's next. I know more about what to expect from another degree, so I feel more confident to go after another one.
What's next on the docket for you?
Probably just another degree (in aerospace engineering), and then maybe National Guard to be a pilot. I don't know.
What advice would you give to future ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ students?
I would advise future ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ students to start with a few classes and see how they fit into their schedule before adding more. Some people take a lot of classes, but for others, that doesn't work. I wish I'd known that. I also wish I'd realized that college isn't a race, and that summer classes are an option if you don't want to take as many courses during the semester. To do well, you have to put in the time, so make sure you have the time.
Congratulations again to Jazz on being recognized as an Outstanding Student. Learn more about the Department of Justice and the opportunities available to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ students, and watch for more Outstanding Student spotlights from the College of Liberal Arts.
