Dr. Tania Mejia-O’Donnell Relaunched Corrections-based Practicum Course
This spring semester, Professor Mejia-O’Donnell led students on an immersive journey beyond the confines of the classroom, culminating in three memorable field trips to Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility. These weren’t just tours; they were a profound educational experience that allowed students to delve into the heart of correctional operations and directly engage with individuals whose lives have been shaped by the justice system.
Throughout the semester, the class was privileged to host various distinguished guest speakers, each bringing unique perspectives and insights into the criminal justice landscape. From U.S. Probation officers shedding light on supervision dynamics to the San Diego District Attorney's Juvenile Diversion Team discussing alternatives to incarceration for young offenders, students heard the chilling details of gang dynamics from a CDCR Gang Expert specializing in the Mexican Mafia and learned about the pivotal role of reentry services from a representative of the San Diego Sheriff's Department's Reentry Services Division.
This series of engagements was instrumental in broadening their understanding of the criminal justice system, not just from a law enforcement perspective but also through the lens of rehabilitation, community engagement, and the myriad non-law enforcement career paths that contribute to the fabric of our society. The visits to the correctional facility, combined with the insights shared by our guest speakers, provided students with a rich, multifaceted understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the criminal justice field.
These experiences have underscored the importance of practical, real-world learning, offering students not just academic knowledge, but a deep, empathetic connection to the people and processes that define our justice system. It's been an invaluable journey of discovery, one that has equipped our future professionals with a more comprehensive and compassionate view of their potential roles within the community.
