2015

Jordan McDonald: Education is the key to success

‌‌Jordan McDonald ’15, of Brockton, has taken full advantage of the many opportunities that UMass Dartmouth offers, from athletics to leadership development to an internship related to his major, crime and justice studies.

Jordan knew that education would be the key to his success, even if his initial dream of playing football at a Division I school didn't happen. College Now, UMass Dartmouth's alternative admissions program, provided his "second chance."

Education: the key to success

"Thanks to College Now, I had the chance to develop academically and become the person I wanted to be," Jordan said. "I knew that getting an education was one of my only opportunities. I had to make something of myself."

Jordan claimed those opportunities, playing football for the Corsairs and advancing to team captain. He served as an orientation leader, introducing new students to campus.

Internship: experience in community policing

Jordan also completed an internship at the Department of Public Safety, creating presentations on safety awareness for students and facilitating collaborations between the department and student organizations.

"My internship benefited me in many ways," Jordan said. "I was exposed to different aspects of community policing, I revamped and created presentations for faculty and students, and I was able to research a variety of topics related to the field of crime and justice studies. I also gained experience in the day-to-day operations of a university police department. Through the internship, I was able to make connections with the Burlington [MA] Police Department and took the department exam."

The future: further education and a youth center

"I plan to further my education and pursue a master's degree at UCLA in the near future," Jordan added.

Currently, Jordan is working as a day care coordinator and preschool teacher at Westfield Child Care Center in Brockton. The experience he's gaining as an administrator and in working with children both reflect and reinforce his long-term goal: to develop a youth center in the Boston area.

"My passion remains working with youth,” Jordan said. “I want to help kids stay safe and out of trouble."