My name is Hemona Jack. Before I started college, I was enrolled in the CMI Upward Bound Program from 2006 to 2010. I graduated from CMI in 2013 with an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts. I was also part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at CMI and served as the Public Relations Officer. At the time, I was a working mother while attending school. Two years after graduating from CMI, I applied to Chaminade University’s Criminal Justice and Criminology program, considering it was the best Criminal Justice program in the Pacific region, to pursue my Bachelor’s Degree. In 2016, I graduated from Chaminade University with high honors and with my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology.
After receiving my Bachelor’s, I returned home to Majuro, Marshall Islands, to apply for any available jobs. However, there weren’t any jobs available related to my field at the time. A year later, I was offered a position with the Majuro Atoll Local Police by the then-Sheriff, to be the Radio Dispatch Manager/H. R Manger for M.A.P.D. After several years with the Majuro Atoll Local Police, I decided to pursue my Master’s Degree.
I applied to Chaminade University’s Criminal Justice Master’s Program and was accepted. At the time, I still continued to work full-time while taking my classes, but it wasn’t until my last few terms that I had to request educational leave. By the end of 2021, I finally received my Master’s Degree of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. After receiving my Master’s Degree, I was recognized at work and promoted to the position of Sheriff of the Majuro Atoll Local Police.
I am considered the first female to ever become Sheriff. Working in law enforcement, I noticed that not many women are interested in it. Working in a male-dominated environment has pushed me to excel and, likewise, to set an example for all that we females can also work in law enforcement. I would like to thank CMI for assisting me and preparing me to enter universities abroad. I consider myself blessed to have started my college experience at CMI.
I am most thankful for my advisor at CMI, Ms. Mary Van Auken, for motivating me and pushing me to complete my studies at CMI. She has taught me that I will eventually achieve my goals, regardless of the many distractions in my life. I would also like to thank my advisor at Chaminade University, the late Professor Joseph Allen, for making such an impact on my educational career, pushing me to face challenges, and helping me reach milestones I never thought I would reach. I thank God for his guidance and love throughout my life.
In addition, I owe my successes to my family and would like to thank my parents especially, for I would not have gotten this far without their love and support. Likewise, to my significant other for being patient and supporting me in achieving those goals. Lastly, I would like to encourage all CMI students to continue to strive to the best of their ability. It may seem impossible, but I can promise you that with God, anything is possible. Just as the saying goes, “bloom where you’re planted” (Bishop Saint Francis de Sales), make or do your best in any circumstances that you are in. Embrace challenges and seize any opportunities that come your way. Remember that the foundation of success is built mostly on the failures you made, the courage to rise from them, sacrifices, hard work, and determination. I also encourage you to give back to your community, once you have achieved your educational goals, and remember that your successes are our future. Successes are unlimited; they don’t stop at one but continue to seek more.
Kommool tata.