Natalia Chavarria

After an 8-year break from college/university, going back to school was the best decision I’ve made EVER! Every move I make toward my education is for my son as a mother and as a priority, he is my biggest motivation. My academic goal is to obtain my bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M-San Antonio, and my career goal is to become a juvenile probation officer.

For years, I put my dreams on hold while raising my son. It was a time in my life when I learned a lot, fought through times of struggle, and realized that there is always a second chance. Now, being back in school, I see how education has affected not just my potential work opportunities, but much more, socially, personally, and overall. It was a tough decision to come back, but it has turned my life around and is for the best. I have developed a passion for criminal justice and am looking to use my knowledge in a field that directly helps young people who are at critical turning points in their lives.

To me, becoming a juvenile probation officer goes beyond a job, it is my purpose. I want to work with youth who have made mistakes and help guide them toward better choices. Many young offenders are influenced by their environment, lack of resources, or instability at home. I want to help hold them accountable while also providing structure, support, and access to resources that can change the trajectory of their lives. With my life experiences, I have gained a perspective rooted in compassion, resilience, and empathy, and I believe those qualities will allow me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people and, ultimately, in building safer communities.