TCSO, Tulsa Tech host event teaching students about careers in law enforcement

TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) partnered with Tulsa Tech to host “Dream Out Loud: Career Strategies for Success”

This event invited 10th – 12th grade students to take part in learning about different career paths and opportunities that interest them.

Some of these careers include criminal justice, welding, emergency medical services, cosmetology, aviation, early childhood care and education.

During break-out sessions with recruiters, students get information from those currently in the field.

This is not the first time TCSO and Tulsa Tech have partnered for this event. TCSO Deputy Alicia Diaz said this is an outreach opportunity where they can connect with students.

“Our purpose is to get students more engaged with law enforcement and hopefully get them looking into a career in law enforcement,” Diaz said. “Even if we can’t, just let them know they do have a support system … people out there who want them to succeed.”

According to Diaz, young people interested in law enforcement should not worry about being bored during their workday, should they pursue it.

“Each day is different, you’re always going to see something different. Nothing is ever the same,” Diaz said. “My favorite part is the people that you meet. You’ll meet people you never thought you would in your entire life.”

Tulsa Tech criminal justice students, Keira Harbert and Yazmin Brito, are grateful for what the program has done for them and excited for the next step into their careers.

Harbert even received a scholarship for the dedication and promise she has shown.

“It’s exciting and, honestly, surprising,” Harbert said about her scholarship. “[It’s] a one-time opportunity that I thought I would never get.”

Though Harbert is a steadfast pursuant of this field now, she was not always so confident.

“I thought about quitting on my first day here. It was something that I felt like I couldn’t do,” she said. “I thought it was hard and challenging, but I realized if you just stick to something … you never know what opportunities can come in the long run.”

Other students, like Brito, are also seeing opportunities arise for them, like the ability to develop skills they can use in the real world.

“I think something that is really interesting, is the fact that you’re doing all of this to apply it to the real world,” Brito said. “I think it’s really helpful, because it’s getting me ready to go into that field.”

Brito said she can put nerves aside when working toward her dream because she knows she will be prepared.

“I am 100 percent confident that I will succeed,” Brito said. “Of course, I will be nervous, it is law enforcement. But, I know I will be amazing at it.”

For more information about Tulsa Tech’s criminal justice courses, click here, and for more information about TCSO, click here.