Whether it's starting a new organization, meeting an FBI agent, or creating a community for students on campus, Sara believes that you can’t wait for change, you have to go out and make it happen.

Starting the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective (CCJC)

“The one difference that I made within the school community that I really care about would be when I started the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective (CCJC) here at the University. When I first came to campus, I was eager to try to become more involved and to be active in student organizations. At the time, I was a criminal justice major before I switched degrees. After finding out that there were no CJ organizations, I wanted to create one that would be not only educational for CCJ students, but also for students of various majors. I wanted people in the organization to feel educated and connected with the social justice and changes that the world makes and continues to make. 

“My goal for the organization was to not only create something that students were able to use as an educational and professional resource but also as a community of individuals who genuinely cared about one another. There was one point in time that I will always remember when one of my members came up to me and said that they loved to be a part of the organization because they felt as if CCJC was a part of their family; that we all genuinely cared for our members and their social, academic, and professional goals. This meant so much to me because I have always wanted CCJC to be a part of people's stories through creating meaningful moments, providing educational and professional resources, and ultimately being there for each other as a community.”

Being the change you want to see in the world

“One of my career goals is to hopefully work in the FBI to help those around me in any capacity that may be needed of me. The lessons and situations that I have learned throughout my time in leadership positions have taught me to be bold and never afraid to take my chances. I have learned it is ALWAYS better to shoot your shot rather than miss any chance of something great happening. I have realized that the worst thing that can happen with reaching out to people you don't know is that they don't answer or may be busy. This mindset, along with the opportunities I have been given with CCJC, has given me the opportunity to speak and work with multiple people in various fields ranging from the FBI, U.S. Attorney, police, social workers, and many more.

“I have always tried to live by one of my favorite quotes, ‘Don't wait for the world to change; be the change you wish to see in the world.’ I strongly believe that my time at UM-Dearborn has encouraged myself and many other students to be change makers. I am grateful for all the opportunities and challenges that have honed and developed many skills that will be useful in many aspects of my life.”

Making an impact

“There is one achievement that I am most proud to have been a part of during my time at UM-Dearborn. That achievement would be being named a Dearborn Difference Maker this year. I know it might sound cheesy and cliché to mention this as one of my proudest moments. However, to me, this means so much more than just being named a Dearborn Difference Maker. When I first learned about this award, never in a million years would I have thought or even considered myself worthy or ‘important’ enough to have gotten this honor. I never believed myself to be as ‘amazing’ or ‘inspirational’ enough to create big changes as many others have been named before me. I never realized people saw value in the work that I had put in through the various organizations or events I implemented on campus. I am so honored and humbled by the importance my achievements have meant to the community around me.”