Student Spotlight: Martina Weddel - UAA Justice Center honors graduate
by Jessica Degnan |
During her time at UAA's Justice Center, Martina has thrived through campus involvement, including leadership roles in the Health Promotions Team, Phi Theta Kappa, and Chi Alpha, as well as an internship with the Anchorage Police Department. Her passion for criminal justice and dedication to helping others highlight her commitment to making a difference both on campus and in her future career.
Name: Martina Weddel
Major: Criminal Justice
Anticipated graduation date: December 15, 2024
Unit: Justice Center
Hometown: Anchorage
What brought you to the UAA College of Health?:
My advisor said I would major in criminal justice, so I would have to be a part of the College of Health and the College of Arts and Sciences. Both were helpful along my educational journey, and all the professors were passionate about their work. Being in the College of Health was eye-opening and helpful for my future endeavors.
Why did you choose the degree you are pursuing? What would your dream job be?:
When I was younger, I first watched the show Castle and instantly felt a connection to the main character, Detective Kate Beckett. I saw her being a homicide detective, solving crimes, and making the world a better place while also trying to find her mother's killer. I saw how complex and multidimensional she was and wanted to be just like her. She had great style and a fighting attitude and could run in heels. Ever since then, I have always felt interested in homicide because helping people get justice takes time but is so worth it. I also have a cousin-in-law who is a SWAT Team Sergeant, and he influenced me in developing my connection and passion for criminal justice.
What are you involved in on campus (IE: Clubs, student organizations, etc.)? How have they contributed to your personal and professional growth?:
For two years, I have been a part of the Health Promotions Team, and this summer, I worked as a new student orientation leader for the new student orientation team. I am a part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, The National Honors Society, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. I am also a part of the Chi Alpha Bible group, where we are a part of small groups that meet once a week, discuss some Bible verses, and have fun. These programs have allowed me to grow and gain more self-confidence by working with students of different ages and backgrounds; I have also developed a more personal connection with the UAA community. I highly recommend joining these groups because they have developed my sense of leadership, confidence, speaking style, and ability to be a natural-born leader.
Have you been involved with internships, practicum placements, research, study abroad, or any other experience you’d like to tell us about? Please tell us how these experiences have shaped you personally, academically, and professionally.:
In the spring of 2023, I saw an opportunity to intern at the Anchorage Police Department for a semester, and I got one credit for completing it; the experience taught me a lot about what the different departments do daily. For this class, I had to write many journal entries over the semester detailing what I had done and how it applies to what I've learned in class and my academic journey. Once I passed a background check and got an ID that I could use to get into the Police Department and other places without an escort, I could do many more things. I went on about three police ride-alongs, and I had already done some previously for other justice courses, so they were a familiar experience for me. I visited some jails, courthouses, and homes that called in an emergency or non-emergency, and I was able to sit in on interviews of survivors who were trying to get confessions over the phone from their abusers.
What words of wisdom do you have for underclassmen or youth who are still considering their options after high school?:
You shouldn't feel pressured to know exactly what you want to do in life or as a career after graduating high school. Some people know what they want to do from an early age, some change their minds, and some find their passions when they are older. Exploring various passions is okay, and if you don't know what you want to do, you can ask people about their careers and see if something sparks your interest. Ask an academic advisor, look at potential internships, or interview those in a particular field you may be interested in. If you focus on prerequisites that you will be taking for about two years, there should be plenty of chances to figure out what you want; if you decide to change your major, you can talk about it with your academic advisor.
What is a cause you care about?:
Ever since volunteering at the Downtown Soup Kitchen for one of my social work classes, I have cared about homelessness and food insecurity in Â鶹ÎÞÂë°æ. Being a part of the Health Promotions Team has opened my eyes to food insecurity; since COVID-19, we've noticed how many people struggle to get food. One of our managers, Haley, came up with the idea of the Wellness Wagon, which provides free snacks, drinks, period products, and other necessities to the students on campus. I have also taken classes that focused on the topic of homelessness. While working at the Downtown Soup Kitchen, I have realized how big of a deal both are, and I must help prevent people from going hungry or feeling cold in the winter.
What is your favorite memory from your time here at UAA?:
My favorite memory was last year's Lunch with Llamas event with the Health Promotions Team. I had not seen so many people come and wait outside in the cold during finals just to pet and take pictures with llamas while also getting free soup. It was such a fun and hilarious day, and connecting with the student body was an important aspect of it all. Keep an eye out for various Health Promotions events and the Lunch with Llamas coming in the spring of 2025.
What has been your happiest/proudest moment?:
My proudest moment has been seeing how much I have grown over the past few years. Growing up, I was always a shy kid who wasn't popular and got bullied because of things I couldn't control. So when I got to UAA and found that they have the friendliest and most open community, I knew I was in the right place. I graduated high school and entered college during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a rough time for everyone. After doing multiple presentations in front of students, giving tours to large groups around campus, and graduating with honors showed me that all of this hard work and dedication was not for nothing, and it led to some of the best people and resources at UAA.
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