Brooke Ralston wants to solve crimes against the young someday. As one of the 2010–2011 UTSA Alumni Association scholarship recipients, she’s gaining the education that will help her on her way.
Ralston, 21, received the scholarship based on extracurricular activities that include volunteering with Brent Barry’s 5K Run for Child Abuse and managing the debate team. Ralston made the 2008 President’s List, and is a member of the National Honor Society and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society.
Ralston said the scholarship, given by alumni Susan and Doug Campbell, has helped her continue to excel in school and in her extracurricular activities.
"It takes away a lot of financial stress," she said. "I was excited someone recognized my accomplishments; it felt good to have my hard work noticed."
Her days start and end with school and one of three jobs that she juggles at Ulta Beauty, the Kumon Math and Reading Center and Anne Marie’s Catering.
"It’s a tight schedule," she said, "But it works."
And part of being true to herself is combining her interest in criminal justice and her major, psychology.
"I knew I wanted to do something with the best of both worlds," Ralston said. "I decided it was the [FBI] that interested me the most."
The San Antonio native said she’s always wanted to do something in the law enforcement field and was inspired by her favorite television show, Bones, about an FBI forensic anthropologist. And her interest was further fueled when she learned there was an FBI office in San Antonio near family and friends.
After graduating, Ralston plans to apply with the bureau as a field agent in the crimes against children department. After earning the necessary experience, her ultimate goal is to serve as deputy director of the FBI.
Her scholarship benefactors, who have supported scholarships since 2006, said they are honored to support a student with a promising future.
"My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Brooke at last year’s Scholarship Salute and were so impressed with her drive and determination to complete her degree, as well as the thought she’s given to what she wants to do after graduation," said Susan Campbell, vice president of the Alumni Association. Both Campbells, who are life members of the Alumni Association, said they firmly believe that to build a strong community, individuals need to help each other as much as they can through volunteer hours, sharing expertise or supporting programs financially.
"We want to support those organizations and institutions that have helped us become the people we are today," she said. "I am a two-time UTSA alum [B.B.A. in management ’89, M.B.A. ’10], so I know firsthand the quality of the education provided by UTSA. It’s horrible to think that a bright, motivated student might not pursue a college education simply because of cost."
By Vincent T. Davis