Victor Ordonez, who is graduating with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a minor in Spanish from Eastern New Mexico University this December, hopes to influence today's youth by becoming a police officer.
"I hope to become a role model for younger generations that are planning on pursuing law enforcement as a career," he shared. "I want to make a positive difference in people's lives; that is the main reason why I'm pursuing this career. Finally, I hope I can help change the negative perception associated with this profession."
He chose to attend ENMU because it was close to home (Victor was born and raised in Portales, New Mexico) and because the tuition is "extremely affordable." He also "heard stories on how successful students at ENMU have been.
"I am very happy in saying that I attend ENMU, because I know I'm getting a good education as I well as being prepared for anything my future brings," he said.
Professors in the criminal justice program, including Dr. Omar Camarillo, Dr. Kristin Waldo and Mr. Donald Raley, have positively impacted Victor during his time at Eastern by "creating an exceptional learning environment. It is very clear that their main goal is student success."
He said that all of his courses are "designed to make you think critically. I don't have a favorite class. All my criminal justice courses have been very enjoyable. They have been very interesting and important when learning the different aspects of the criminal justice system."
Victor shares why he chose criminal justice as a degree:
"I chose this field of study because since I was very young, I have been intrigued by how criminal justice functions. I believe that by exploring and understanding how each aspect of the criminal justice system functions, it will set my foundation and make me a successful law enforcement officer."
The Greyhound has been on the Dean's List since fall 2015 when he first came to Eastern. He received recognition for being the "Outstanding Student in Criminal Justice" in the spring of 2018 and was the recipient of the Criminal Justice Association Scholarship.
Victor, who has a part-time job at Highland Farms in Clovis, New Mexico, has advice for those thinking about joining the criminal justice program: "I would tell them to take the first step and enroll in criminal justice courses at ENMU. It is a step that they won't regret and will be very rewarding for their future, as it is the foundation of being successful in this competitive field."
The ENMU student's favorite place on campus is the Golden Student Success Center because the environment is "always very welcoming, and the staff is always happy to answer any questions. Also, the technology that is provided is very helpful when working on homework or group projects."
Victor has two younger sisters named Samantha and Johanna. Samantha attends Clovis Community College, and Johanna attends Portales Junior High School.
Victor's mom, Amalia, works for Sodexo at ENMU. His dad, Jorge, has worked at Highland Farms for the past 13 years.
Some of Victor's hobbies include hunting, exercising, welding, target shooting, fishing and spending time with family.
