Bryanna Rodriguez

University of Denver - 2028

Juvenile Delinquency

Issue(s) of Focus: Juvenile Delinquency

Major(s): Criminology

Project: I hope to work on a project aimed to reflect on the root causes of juvenile delinquency and the effects that it has on its communities. While I’m not exactly decided on the specifics yet, I hope to be part of something that teaches young children about this topic and hopefully take a more preventative approach.

Inspiration: I grew up in impoverished communities where I was a constant witness to crime and adolescents landing in the criminal justice system after putting themselves in danger. And it was always a problem that I saw in other people until the reality came knocking on the door of my own family, specifically that of my siblings. I saw the dysfunction that perpetrated my home, and I understood what had led it, so I hope to use my education to help others.

Future Goals: I hope to use my own experiences to motivate others to make better choices and encourage juveniles specifically to make smart choices and build lives they can be proud of. I understand it’s easier said than done but it takes someone who knows what it’s really like to actually make a difference and call for a sense of understanding.