Student Ponders Career Choice

Stephanie Bullock was going to become a police officer, until she started taking classes at RVCC and realized she no longer wanted to pursue her long-time goal.

“At times I very much felt like if I did not follow this path of being a police officer, that my family and friends would be very disappointed in me".

Ever since middle school, Bullock has spent much of her free time around the officers and firefighters in the Neshanic station. 

Bullock has been participating at the police explorer program for over five years. As a part of the program police officers teach skills and tactics such as handcuffing, self-defense and first aid.  

Bullock, 19, no longer enjoyed her law enforcement classes, but continued to study criminal justice at RVCC. 

Bullock’s father, Richard, a volunteer fireman for over 10 years, was concerned about her decision.

“Since she has been volunteering with the police department for years, I was surprised that she no longer wanted to do it," said Richard.

“I would help out at the nursing home, and I loved it,” said Bullock. “That is when I realized that I no longer wanted to be a police officer, but work with people".

An advisor at RVCC suggested she consider a degree in pre-social work. But before she could make the switch, she wanted to make sure her boyfriend would support her.

Kevin Conforti, 17, has been dating Bullock for two years, and aspires to one day become a police officer. 

“I had a feeling that Stephanie might not end up being a police officer,” said Conforti. “As she began taking classes, I could tell she did not seem enthused by them.”

“I think she is making the right move,” said Conforti. “Now, she will be able to do something that she enjoys.”

By: Patricia Da Cunha