Why Criminology

Written By Jerad Nylin

A Journey of Advocacy and Resilience

By Jerad S. Nylin
November 30, 2024


My educational journey has been shaped by lived experiences, advocacy, and a dedication to community support. Living with blindness and Multiple Sclerosis has shown me the challenges of navigating a world often not designed for people with disabilities. I have also witnessed the critical need for compassionate advocates within the criminal justice system to support individuals entangled in its complexities. These experiences, coupled with my own struggles with mental health, have reinforced my commitment to helping others facing similar obstacles. I believe no one should endure life’s challenges alone. This belief fuels my passion to advocate for those confronting mental health issues, disability-related barriers, and reentry into society after incarceration.

As I complete my degree in Criminology, Law, and Justice from the University of Iowa, I am eager to apply my unique perspective and education to a field that urgently needs empathetic and dedicated advocates.

Advocacy
My commitment to advocating started after graduating from the Iowa Department for the Blind’s Adjustment to Blindness Orientation Center prior to beginning college. Equipped with newfound independence, I joined the ADA Advisory Committee for Cedar Rapids and Linn County, Iowa, as my first formal advocacy role. Appointed by the mayor, I worked to ensure that community facilities, programs, and services were accessible to everyone, reinforcing my belief that equal access is a human right. This experience broadened my understanding of advocacy and laid the foundation for my later work with the Iowa Department for the Blind, teaching youth and adults skills to live independently.

Participating
I took part in both the Cedar Rapids and Johnson County Citizen Police Academies. Through these programs, I gained insight into the criminal justice system’s inner workings, including police procedures, mental health and crisis response teams, community outreach, general laws and ordinances, and overall operations. These experiences gave me a firsthand look at both the challenges and opportunities for positive change within law enforcement and ultimately solidified my decision to pursue criminology.

Internship
I became actively involved with the University of Iowa Campus Safety and the University of Iowa Suicide Prevention Coalition. As a Community Outreach Intern, I led a team of eight other students to create the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline decals for campus police cars. This project aligned with my role on the UI Suicide Prevention Coalition, spreading awareness and resources across campus. I was able to collaborate with campus partners, teaching me the significance of proactive mental health support and community-based safety initiatives.

Additionally, my work with the Iowa Governor’s Challenge on veteran suicide prevention gave me a platform to support mental health initiatives across Iowa. From building a statewide directory of hospital contacts to conducting interviews with gun shop owners and participating in national training, this role underscored the urgent need for accessible mental health resources, especially for those most at risk.

Volunteering
Volunteering with Inside Out Reentry Community has enhanced my understanding of the ongoing needs of returning citizens. Supporting individuals as they rebuild their lives after incarceration strengthens my insight into the social and mental health challenges members face.

Coursework
My coursework at the University of Iowa has equipped me with the analytical skills needed to navigate and contribute to the criminal justice system, enhancing my ability to advocate effectively for social change. Courses that stand out as important to me include:

  • Social Justice and Social Welfare in the U.S. (SSW 1022)

  • Diversity and Power in the U.S. (GWSS 1002)

  • Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (CRIM 1447)

  • Introduction to Disability Studies (DST 1101)

  • Juvenile Delinquency (CRIM 3420)

  • Introduction to Criminology (CRIM 1410)

  • Drugs, Deviance, and Social Control (CRIM 3250)

  • Student Practicum in Policing (CRIM 2440)

  • Sociological Theory (SOC 2130)

  • Social Inequality (SOC 2810)

  • Community Corrections (CRIM 3417)

  • Research Methods in Criminology (CRIM 2470)

  • Communities and Crime (CRIM 3110)

  • Gangs and Gang Crime (CRIM 3421)

As I prepare to graduate, I am excited to bring my education, personal experiences, and professional background into my work as I make a meaningful impact. My goal is to use my degree and life experience to ensure that no one faces challenges alone and to foster a world where everyone, regardless of background or ability, has a fair chance at success.

Jerad Nylin