Larissa Rodriguez: Most Outstanding Master of Criminal Justice and Criminology

Larissa Rodriguez, a first-generation college graduate from Heber, a small town in the Imperial Valley, is pursuing her master's degree in Criminal Justice & Criminology at San Diego State University. Rodriguez's parents are Spanish speakers and she has two older sisters, Yahaira and Vianey, along with a supportive boyfriend, Victor. For companionship, she has two cats, Nora and Rivers.

Rodriguez earned her bachelor's degree in Criminology with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Sciences and a minor in Sociology from Fresno State. Her undergraduate studies included a Victim Services Certificate, which significantly influenced her career aspirations. Rodriguez's capstone project involved working directly with high-risk individuals convicted of sex offenses. This experience provided her with a unique perspective on the criminal justice system, fostering an understanding of the offender's viewpoint. Through this work, Rodriguez grasped the potential for both victims and offenders to benefit from professional intervention, facilitating amends and reintegration into society. As a criminal justice and criminology major, Rodriguez aspires to work directly with both victims and offenders to help them overcome the trauma associated with crimes they may have experienced or committed. Ultimately, Rodriguez seeks a career that allows her to make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute meaningfully to the criminal justice system. She is enthusiastic about her future endeavors.