ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ celebrates graduating students who have overcome obstacles, made significant achievements or are fulfilling ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ’s mission in or outside the classroom.

Today, we celebrate Emma Barlow ’26.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ: Have you had any significant internships/co-ops/careers while at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ?

EB: I had a semester-long internship with the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Police Department, where I participated in community engagement content creation, listened to lectures about ranging careers in criminology, and took part in training efforts, including an unofficial Stop the Bleed tourniquet training and ALICE training.

I also worked at the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ Academic Support Hub as a peer tutor for two years for psychology and sociology courses. Throughout this position, I helped students gain confidence in their unique individual abilities and was eventually promoted to the lead tutor position.

In this position, I was still able to tutor, but I was also responsible for leading meetings, coordinating with my fellow lead tutors and GAs on problem-solving and meeting planning, and tracking attendance for my fellow tutors' sessions.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ: How would you describe the connections you have made with the faculty and staff at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ?

EB: I have made strong connections with my former and current professors. I am grateful to have built a network of intelligent and supportive individuals. My professors have supported me in many ways, including writing recommendation letters, nominating me for awards, and advocating for me to serve as a peer TA and tutor for courses in which I am still enrolled. I am grateful to those who have believed in and encouraged me throughout the criminology, psychology and sociology departments.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ: How has Cleveland State inspired you for your future?

EB: ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ has renewed my love for learning. My adviser never discouraged me when I wanted to add a second, then third major or when I chose to complete a full four years instead of graduating early. ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ has helped solidify my belief that I can navigate any challenge I set for myself or that is set before me.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ: How do you think you have fulfilled the ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ’s mission?  

EB: Throughout my career at ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ, I have fulfilled the mission of empowering others as my work as a student tutor. I have been fortunate to work with my fellow students, help them better understand their materials, and see them improve their class performance. Seeing students eventually grow out of their shells with me has truly been a gift. I am very grateful to know that I have been able to help empower students in their knowledge that was already there. I have had previous students send me their improving results after our sessions.

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ: Do you have a career lined up, and how has ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ been instrumental in that process?

EB: After I graduate in May, I will be attending Kent State University for their Master of Arts program in criminal justice and criminology, where I will concentrate in victimology. ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ has allowed me to build a professional network of faculty members who have supported me greatly throughout this process. Eventually, I hope to become a county- or federal-level victim’s advocate.

Congratulations, Emma!