When Annie Young ‘19 began her journey at Thomas College, she was shy and nervous. Four years later, she’s grown into a confident and successful individual. Annie said this is thanks to the experiences, opportunities and relationships she’s built here.
“I owe so much in the last four years to Thomas College for allowing me to grow as a person and to figure out my path in life,” she said.
On May 11, Annie will graduate with her bachelor’s degree from Thomas. She majored in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Conservation Law Enforcement with a minor in Environmental Science.
In the fall, Annie will return to Thomas for the one-year Master’s in Criminology program.
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At Thomas, Annie has been involved in the women’s basketball program as both a player and an assistant coach. She’s held leadership roles in the Criminal Justice Club, Club Green, Student Philanthropy Team and Love Your Melon.
When she’s not on campus, Annie is gaining experience and skills for her future career. Two summers ago, Annie interned with Merrill’s Detector Dog Services as a K9 handler. And this past semester, Annie interned with the Department of Marine Resources and their Sea Run Fisheries Division, working on recovery efforts for Atlantic Salmon.
She’s also attended the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences conference twice over the past four years, where she explored many different job opportunities and interests with the criminal justice field.
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Along the way, Annie has made great connections at Thomas College.
“Emily Cummins has been the biggest influence on me over the last four years here at Thomas. From being a player for her to then coaching alongside her, she has been a huge role model to me and helped me through many obstacles,” said Annie.
“Professor Steve Dyer has been a mentor to me, helping me find career interests and answering any questions I ever had. Professor Steve Kahl set me up with my internship at the Department of Marine Resources and always found ways to make his classes interesting and interactive. I also have looked up to Professor Mark Marsolais as he helped me get my internship with Merrill’s Detector Dog Services and was an outstanding professor in all of the classes I took with him,” she said. “All of these professors are extremely knowledgeable and are always willing to lend a hand when you need it most. They care so much about Thomas and the students within and that is something I will always cherish.”
In conclusion, Annie is very proud to be graduating from Thomas College and to look back at all the success and experiences she’s had here.
“I would like to thank all of my family and friends, near and far for all of their support over the last four years and helping me become the person I am today, I couldn’t have done it without you all,” said Annie.