Austin Senior Photographer | Jonnalys at Texas State

This girl right here inspired and impressed me to no end. As someone who can be a bit of an overachiever I felt seriously schooled by her level of achievement and passion. I felt her story needed to be told here….

Q: Why did you choose Criminal Justice for a degree?

A: “At a young age I witnessed the abuse law enforcement exhibit. When I was five years old I watched my father be wrongful detained and when I was in Middle School I was questioned by the police without my parents consent. Watching first hand law enforcement abuse the power they have been given lit a fire in my soul. I choice this degree because the system is flawed and if you can figure out how the system was designed … you’re able to figure out ways to dismantle it and build it up better. “

Q: What steps did you take to get you where you are today?

A: “When I went to high school, I was accepted into the early college program. However, they didn’t have a program establish, and in a class of 136 I was the only one who was able to graduate with an associates. I was able to do so, because I advocated for myself and I would go to the community college and see the courses I was able to take and then go back to my high school and advocate for why I should be able to take those classes. When I was a senior in high school, I applied for Dell scholars and Scholarshot which allowed me to attend Texas State on a full ride.  

My advice to young people would be to always advocate for yourself even if nobody else is on your side. Doing the right thing is typically never that easy thing to do, but if you say silent to injustice, you’re just as bad as the oppressor themselves.”

Thanks Jonnalys… that gives me literal goosebumps. Your family must be so proud!