By Eila Zaris
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Balancing academics, creativity and leadership is something Camden County College student Corbin Roth has mastered. Corbin is a criminal justice major, the president of the Criminal Justice Society, works full-time and still finds time for some of his hobbies.
Leadership
Corbin is the president of the Criminal Justice Society at Camden County College.
He says belonging to the Criminal Justice Society benefits him because of “the recurring events and speakers who came to teach students how to advance their careers … as well as the surplus of resources that the criminal justice professors provide.”
Corbin highlighted some of his most memorable experiences in the club, including going to the Camden County Juvenile Detention Center and having guest speakers.
Kendyl Sunkett, a fellow classmate and friend of Corbin, says, “In our class, he always participates and is very engaged in what we are learning. I admire his dedication to criminal justice.”
Academic aspirations
As to how CCC has prepared him for his future in criminal justice, he says, “The resources and opportunities the professors provided ensured we were prepared for our current and future classes.”
Corbin has many mentors at the school. They have fueled his goals to be part of the change in criminal justice. He boasted about his professors who have helped him succeed in his journey.
He says, “Professor Robert DelSordo did an excellent job teaching about courtroom ethics” and “Professor Amy Pisano and Professor Robert Schofield do an amazing job at passionately teaching practical applications of criminal justice concepts.”
Future plans
While Corbin doesn’t know exactly what field to go in, he says, “There’s not one particular field I’m dead set on because I’m so interested in many different specializations in the justice system.” He does know he wants to be a part of the change.
Corbin comes from a family of police officers, but he wanted to go on a different path in his life. Corbin says, “I was originally going to school to be a paramedic. Then I realized I wanted to be part of a bigger system to prevent things and work more proactively.”
Corbin is planning on attending Rutgers University in the fall to obtain a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Life beyond school
Outside of school, Corbin works full-time as a barista at Starbucks. As to how he balances school and work, he says, “Micromanaging his schedule” is how he deals with responsibilities.
Corbin also enjoys visiting antiques shops. He has a large collection of antique brass animal figures.
He also has a creative side. Corbin says, “I write music, I do internships, hang out with friends, and I sew.”
He adds, “I voluntarily teach seventh to 12th grade as a brass instructor in the marching band (at Collingswood High School) … which taught me how to be more understanding and compassionate.”
Balancing act
Corbin shows what it’s like to stay determined in school, be passionate about his goals and balance a life for himself as well.
He says, “Being completely financially independent forced me to understand how to be more financially responsible while also balancing my schoolwork, job, teaching and social life.”
He believes Camden County College has given him a smarter pathway to do all those things.
Corbin says, “This college has helped me make a more financially intelligent decision about achieving my education goals.”