necessity of setting aside time for her family, pet dog and hobbies. In her down time, she loves recreational painting and exploring restrarants and working out. Finding the time to do things for herself, keeps Jennifer on her toes in the workforce. leadership and service.
SERVICE TO COMMUNITY
Many people may just see law enforcement as just a job but it is more. "Law enforcement is service. Serving your community as a police officer is 24/7. We don't have snow days, holidays, weekends off, or normal hours. You have to prepare yourself for that schedule and your family," says Delia. Recognizing the sacrifices that police officers make for the betterment of our neighborhood means that we should show appreciation. They are often unsung heroes who do so much and receive little, to no recognition.
But Jennifer says that knowing that she is making an impact in the community is payment enough. "Even though we see very bad things on the job, just that one time you get to see a family saved from an abusive father or help someone catch a person who made them feel violated and vulnerable from their home being burglarized...it's an amazing feeling and is indescribable and will stay with you."
BEHIND THE BADGE
In addition to being upholding KDChi's values, Delia and Jennifer are also busting the stereotype of what a "police officer" looks like. Typically male and white. By being in the field, they are blazing a trail for women of color to follow. If there is one thing that these ladies would like you all to take away about their position, it is that behind the badge they are people too. "We are people. We care. We sacrifice ourselves daily for people/animals we don't know, because it is our responsibly as humans to help each other out, " says Jennifer.
ADVICE TO SISTERS LOOKING TO WORK IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
For those of you who are interested in working in law enforcement, Elizabeth offers some great advice. "It is imperative to research the hiring requirements of the profession they are pursuing in order to select an internship or employment that will gain them the experience needed," she says. So take that internship or volunteer position; you never know, it may lead to a job. It is not enough to have a stellar resume when applying for jobs in this field. "You need to have passion with working with youth and families and you must want to try and make a difference," advises Elizabeth.
THANK YOU SISTERS!
Your commitment to service and sisterhood is inspiring.
BEHIND
THE BADGE
Story by Jelisa Robinson
SISTERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
FOLLOWING THEIR DREAMS
For both Delia and Jennifer working in law enforcement was a dream that they knew they had to achieve. “I've always wanted to be a police officer since I was in elementary school. I had it in my bones,” says Jennifer. Delia ,who found her calling in college, now looks forward to becoming a detective. She knows that being a cop is the first step. “To be a detective, you have to be a street cop first, so as soon as I graduated from KDChi's Epsilon Chapter at the University of Texas at Arlington, I went to the biggest department in the area, the Dallas Police Department. I wanted the big city and I grew up dreaming about working in Dallas. They were the only department I applied for,” Delia excitedly shares. The fact that these women are pursuing the careers of their dreams serves as a
source of inspiration for all of us. They are making a difference and standing as role models.
KDCHI INFLUENCES ON THEIR CAREER
Being involved in a wonderful sisterhood not only looks great on a resume and gives you life long friends but Jennifer says it helped her to find her true self. "KDChi helped me get out of my shy shell that I had all through grade school and actually open up and express myself ," Jennifer said. She also noted that being a leader in her sisterhood allowed her to develop the skills she uses in serving her community. As an officer, she is able to relate to local people and see where they are coming from instead of just being an authoritatiran.
For Delia, KDChi has inspired her to uphold the values of integrity and honesty. These values are needed in the force. "All good police officers must have integrity and must be honest, so you can say that KDChi reinforces strong character traits and instills leadership values within members. KDChi develops leadership skills in their members and being a leader is extremely important as an officer," says Delia.
JUGGLING RESPONSIBILITY
If you've watched any cop show, you know that being in law enforcement can take up a lot of your time. These ladies know how to prioritize their commitments including family, hobbies and life. Delia's commitment to her family while working a tough job that keeps her busy is admirable. "Being a mom is most important to me. Sometimes, I have to function on four hours of sleep or less, and lots of coffee. My schedule still allows me to take my daughter to school and pick her up from school. I stay home with my son during the day to do arts and crafts, play cops and robbers, and we are working through a preschool book. I try to make their lives as normal as possible.," she said.
tough job that keeps her busy is admirable. "Being a mom is most important to me. Sometimes, I have to function on four hours of sleep or less, and lots of coffee. My schedule still allows me to take my daughter to school and pick her up from school. I stay home with my son during the day to do arts and crafts, play cops and robbers, and we are working through a preschool book. I try to make their lives as normal as possible.," she said.
Jennifer, knows the necessity of setting aside time for her family, pet dog and hobbies. In her down time, she loves recreational painting, working out and exploring new restaurants. Finding the time to do things for herself, keeps Jennifer on her toes in the workforce.
Elizabeth dedicates her spare time to spending time with her mother who is a cancer survivor. "Four years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and it was caught in time to remove. She is currently in remission and we are counting our blessings and making memories. Life is put in perspective when monumental events occur," she reflects.
Jennifer, a single female, knows the
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pictured: Dallas Police Department,
Delia Castro & coworker
pictured: Houston Police Department
#LeadingWithIntegrityUnitedThroughService
This past summer, San Marcos took a BIG HIT from a massive flood. The aftermath, left more than 1,000 residents with a few basic necessities, homeless, or impacted with damage to the property. To show our love and support, a few of
our sisters took an initiative to help hands on
in the cleaning process! We are very grateful
for our sisters in helping and for all others
who helped as well. We love our San
Marvelous, and will continue to impact our community!
Photo courtesy of Omicron chapter
9.12.15 The University of South Carolina colony joined other members of the USC Multi Cultural Greek Board in volunteering at the Belser Arboretum.
Photo courtesy of @kdchi_uofsc
"Leading with integrity, united through service #KDChi #SistersWhoServeTogether #CityYearLA"
Photo courtesy of @ccw1992
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9.8.15 Tonight our Rio Grande Valley alumnae chapter surprised the Alpha Beta Chapter at their first active meeting the semester with "Sister Survival Goodie Bags"!! They were so surprised, and what a GREAT start to the semester!
A great big thanks goes to the sisters who made this happen!!
#itsnotfouryearsitsforlife
#KDXRGV #KDChi #GoNAA