Anthony Frazier
Year: Senior
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.
Major: Forensic science and Spanish
Career goal: To work for the FBI
Traveling abroad
“Studying abroad allowed me to open my eyes to diversity and learn in an environment where the Spanish language is spoken.”
“Growing up, my dad was in the Marine Corps and it gave me the opportunity to travel to other countries. I was in Japan, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy and then to Quantico, Va., South Carolina, Georgia and finally California, where I graduated high school.
“The transition between all those different areas allowed me to better adapt to my environment and so when I came here to VCU, it was an easy adjustment.
“In 2006, during my first summer, I studied abroad in Cuernavaca, Mexico. It allowed me to open my eyes to diversity and learn in an environment where the Spanish language is spoken.”
Family influences
“Ever since I was 11 years old, I’ve been interested in law enforcement. At first I just wanted to be a police officer because my father was one a long time ago in the Marine Corps. My uncle is also a police officer right now in Los Angeles. Having law enforcement in my family and in my background encouraged me to join as well.
“But I really opened my eyes to other fields in law enforcement when I came across the FBI. In high school, I was very strong in math and science and knew I wanted to pursue a career down those paths. I thought forensic science was the best option for me because ultimately I would like to be a special agent for the FBI. Now that I’m a senior and I’m going to be graduating, the forensic science program has definitely prepared me for the real world.”
Internship opportunities
“I was taking Criminal Justice 181 and one of the recruiters from the Ocean City, Md., police department came to my class and introduced an internship program to us. In the summer of 2008, I was able to participate in the internship as a police officer there. That was probably the best internship I’ve had so far and the reason why is because the Ocean City police officers allow you to go through an accelerated training academy.
“At the academy we learned everything from defensive tactics, firearms, criminal law and juvenile law, so you are learning everything you would need to be a police officer. By the end of our training period, I did graduate and receive my credentials. I was sworn in by the mayor of Ocean City as a police officer.”
Gaining leadership experience
“Getting involved with student organizations or other volunteer opportunities on campus was definitely a plus and one of the biggest things I really wanted when I came to VCU. As a freshman, I became involved with the student alumni ambassadors and also the Forensic Science Student Club. Both organizations have definitely helped me grow as a person and gain leadership experience. I joined the fraternity Sigma Beta Rho in 2007 and that has allowed me to gain even more leadership experience.”
