My name is LaTaesia Snyder. I am a criminology and justice studies major with a pre-law minor. I plan to graduate from ¹ú²úÂ×Àí in May 2027.
I began my journey at ¹ú²úÂ×Àí in the fall of 2023. I decided to attend ¹ú²úÂ×Àí because it was close enough to home but far enough away for me to grow on my own. I also toured ¹ú²úÂ×Àí many times in high school, and I loved it so much. I started off as a philosophy major, but found out it was not for me, so I switched to criminology and justice studies. I love the program so much.
The professors are amazing, and they have real-world experience in the subjects they teach.
My favorite classes so far have been Police Role and White-Collar Crime; both classes were very insightful and included some fun assignments.
Throughout my few years at ¹ú²úÂ×Àí, I have grown tremendously and have done things I never thought I would — I became a leader. My leadership development began in the infamous PSA class. The class was the foundation for the person I was becoming; it taught me everything I know. After I completed the class in the spring of 2024, I felt ready to step out and try new opportunities. My first leadership role was a lab leader for CommUNITY Lab, and I was an event coordinator. Then I was a Pionero for Kupita Transiciones, where I assisted incoming freshmen of color with their transition to college. I was a University College ambassador, and I was on the Black United Students marketing committee. I also began working at TRIO SSS (Student Support Services) where I found my love for bulletin board making.
I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Rwanda for the summer 2024 semester. It was the best three weeks of my life. I spent time with locals and saw how different the culture was. I also learned about the genocide that occurred in 1994 and the peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts that followed.
During this current semester, I booked another study away program, the Columbus Program in State Issues. It is a semester-long program in Columbus, where I take classes at the Ohio Statehouse, and I have an internship with State Senator Hearcel Craig.
This experience has helped me grow my professionalism so much.
I have sat in on important meetings, attended Senate sessions and helped draft official communications and recognition materials for the office. This program has given me a newfound love for the state government.
After graduating, I intend to pursue law school, where I hope to prepare for a career as a criminal defense attorney. I am driven by a desire to represent and advocate for individuals who are too often underserved by the justice system.
Keep an eye out for LaTaesia Snyder, Esq. — future criminal defense attorney.
If you’re considering coming to ¹ú²úÂ×Àí, do it — you won’t regret it, because there’s truly something here for everyone, and you’ll grow in amazing ways.