Daniela Arevalo-Leyva moved to the United States from Cuba when she was 9 years old. As she learned about her new home country, she became fascinated by its criminal justice system. After she graduated from Jamesville-Dewitt High School in 2023, she decided to come to Onondaga Community College and pursue a Criminal Justice degree. "I realized OCC was the best first-choice to make. As I transition from high school, I can figure out exactly what I want to do before committing to a four-year school."
Last week Arevalo-Leyva had the opportunity to meet Onondaga County's top elected law enforcement official when Sheriff Toby Shelley came to campus. He presented her with the Criminal Justice Scholarship from the New York State Sheriffs' Institute in recognition of academic excellence and dedicated pursuit of a career in the field of criminal justice. The scholarship included a $500 check, but being recognized had a larger impact on her. "It really encourages me to show what I can do and what I can become. It's amazing I got this opportunity!"
The scholarship application process required Arevalo-Leyva to submit an essay about herself. Her story focused on her career goals, and the sense of optimism she felt when she was able to leave Cuba for the United States. "Growing up in a country where limited opportunities are offered and ruled by a dictator limits people's hope for change. I had the opportunity to be introduced to a more hopeful and prosperous future as I moved here to America," she wrote.
Arevalo-Leyva is using her two years at OCC to build her academic foundation while figuring out where she would like to work within the criminal justice system one day. "I want to be in a career that will impact not only my life, but my community. Education is very important to me. I plan to earn a four-year degree after OCC. That's my big dream. And I'm making my parents proud!"
