The Criminal Attorney
Precious Hose ŮٱƵ20 is all about campus involvement. SheŮٱƵs a student assistant at the Environmental Center (who got to introduce President Krislov to the animals on an), peer educator for Pace FIRE (Fighting Ignorance, Racism, and Rape Through Education), peer leader for UNV 101, student representative for the Middle States Accreditation Study, and much more. With all those titles under her belt, youŮٱƵd think Hose had her sights set on Pace from the get-go. That wasnŮٱƵt the case.
ŮٱƵEven though Pace wasnŮٱƵt my first choice, it became one of the most important choices IŮٱƵve made,ŮٱƵ Hose said, describing how she was initially drawn by the Criminal Justice program and ideal location of the Pleasantville Campus: a small town feel close to major cities. It was the Pace Community, however, that really solidified the decision for her. ŮٱƵ[Everyone] is so welcoming and the diversity of our student body made me feel unique, but connected. ThereŮٱƵs always an event happening on campus and I love that the faculty and staff always have their office doors open.ŮٱƵ
It was her major (you guessed it: criminal justice) that Hose already felt very strongly about. ŮٱƵI was always fascinated by crime from a young age,ŮٱƵ she told us. ŮٱƵI believe [everyone] has rights even if a person commits a criminal act. Most people donŮٱƵt commit an act of crime because they have a desire to do so.ŮٱƵ Wise words. She hopes to one day become an attorney specializing in criminal law.
Several of the faculty members in the Criminal Justice Department have since left a huge impact on her; namely, Professor Robert Matarazzo, Associate Professor Margaret Fitzgerald, and Lecturer Maryellen Martirano. ŮٱƵTheir lectures are not really lectures,ŮٱƵ Hose explained. ŮٱƵThey engage the students by turning the lesson plan into a life lesson for us to think beyond what was taught in class. One day, I hope I can lead by example as they do for me.ŮٱƵ
Hose is certainly leading by example for her peers. SheŮٱƵs taken advantage of almost every leadership opportunity at Pace since she arrived. From Orientation Leader to Pace FIRE educator to president of the Freshman Honor Society to senator for the Criminal Justice Society, the list goes on! What motivates her to get so involved on campus? Hose answered with a question of her own. ŮٱƵThere are so many people that have helped me get to where I am today. Why not pay it forward and help other students like the first-year version of me find their way around Pace?ŮٱƵ
Why not indeed.
She had a chance to do just that when she addressed the incoming class of 2021 last year. Hose was chosen as the student speaker for Convocation. ŮٱƵTo me, speaking in front of over a thousand people felt like an honor,ŮٱƵ Hose said, who shared her story with all of them in hopes of inspiring her audience. ŮٱƵI have a lot of weight on my back as a first-generation student,ŮٱƵ she continued, explaining how it was challenging to adapt to an entirely new culture and environment in New York. ŮٱƵ[But] I found amazing friends, got involved on and off-campus, and valued the support my professors gave me.ŮٱƵ
In her free time, Hose expresses her creativity by making jewelry andŮٱƵget thisŮٱƵactual stained-glass lamps. Talk about art deco! She also collects shells at the beach. Sounds like a great way to unwind after a long day for this soon-to-be criminal attorney. We canŮٱƵt wait to see where Hose goes next!