If you are someone who does not have everything planned out, like I was, don鈥檛 look at your friends and compare yourself. Everyone gets to where they are going on their own two feet, and things will fall into place.
After taking an introduction to criminal justice class at 福利天堂专注精品福利, Kayla Machado, 鈥19, knew she had discovered her path.
鈥淚 loved it, which is ultimately what made me decide to focus on criminal justice,鈥 she said.
Kayla earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology.
The inspiration she found while taking that criminal justice class led her to working in a position where she helps others.
Today, Machado serves as the education and outreach coordinator for the Women鈥檚 Center, a nonprofit agency that works with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault located in New Bedford.
鈥淲e provide wrap-around services during some of the most traumatic and challenging times of a person鈥檚 life,鈥 she said.
To support victims and survivors, the organization offers counseling, emergency short term shelter, transitional housing assistance, court advocacy and a youth trauma program where licensed clinicians work one-on-one with children who have been victims of abuse.
In her role, Machado鈥檚 focus is on the community and making connections, along with prevention work.
She works closely with schools and speaks to students about healthy relationships, boundaries, and how to keep yourself and loved ones safe.
鈥淏eing able to give these children the basic information about boundaries alone is huge,鈥 Machado said. 鈥淭his is not a subject that is typically discussed in schools. Having the ability to make positive connections and bring light to such heavy topics is something I鈥檓 proud of.鈥
Finding her calling has been rewarding. She is grateful for the professors in the criminal justice department for their knowledge and support and helping her discover her path, especially Professor Kadijha Monk.
鈥淪he was a professor who helped me during the more difficult classes. I learned a lot, and was always looking forward to her classes,鈥 Machado said.
As she moves forward, Machado looks to continue networking and building connections, not only for the Women鈥檚 Center but professionally as well.
鈥淚 want to continue seeing the different within our communities that the prevention work was in fact able to reduce the number of people being victims of abuse, harassment or assault,鈥 she said.
For BSU students carving out their own paths, Machado said it鈥檚 all about finding a balance and realizing your journey may be different than others.
鈥淚f you are someone who does not have everything planned out, like I was, don鈥檛 look at your friends and compare yourself,鈥 she said. 鈥淓veryone gets to where they are going on their own two feet, and things will fall into place.鈥
The Bridgewater chapter is all part of creating the outcome.
鈥淵ou will look back one day and be proud of your achievements and your failures that helped you get there,鈥 she said.
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu