Raymond Smith

I am currently studying Criminal Justice and Sociology as a student at Chico State University. I come from a small town in California called Grass Valley, where I was raised by a theater actress/director/producer (mother) and a lieutenant correctional officer (father). As one could probably guess, my upbringing was... equivocal -- viewing life as a drama/comedy on stage, or as a mission to find stability, order, and to preserve the peace. Despite my parents being divorced when I was very young, I grew up all the same with much love and support to keep and open mind for unlimited possibilities. It was not until after my first semester in college when I finally found my aspirations. I owe much of it to my friends, who were always teasing me about being the "college kid" in our group. One day when we were all talking, I found myself stumped that I couldn't answer a question regarding the differences between probable cause and reasonable suspicion. This was disturbing given the fact that I spent the last few months in college studying the criminal justice system and I didn't really "know" anything. This was a point in my life where I began to ask myself "Why am I in school if I'm not wanting to learn anything? What's the point?" It became clear to me that I was driven by a desire to achieve a credential rather than building character and becoming a person of influence. I didn't really care about developing skills and knowledge for the purpose of finding ways to make the world a better place. But rather, I wanted to hide behind the comfort of an achievement (degree) and support my habit as just a consumer who is only concerned for himself. It was from this horrifying discovery that I found the urge to discover one simple truth. That I can achieve greatness, and that I am the architect of my life; I can build its foundation and choose its contents. In this one life I have to live, why not do the best I can and encourage others to do the same? If my mother and father could give amazing things back to their communities (whether it be a beautiful drama or comedy, or even security) then I can do something similar in my own way to be of service, and it starts with my own personal AI (Attitude and Integrity). That's what being a leader is all about. For now, as I continue to do my best at work, in the gym, and in school, I still have my eyes set on being a part of something big such as the CIA, FBI, DEA, or NSA, and I won't quit until I get there.