Justin Cruz
Legal Studies
Justin Cruz chose to attend Delaware Tech because it's close to home, affordable, and provides an opportunity for him to pursue his career dreams. Originally from New York City, Cruz moved to Delaware with his family five years ago. After being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city for 19 years, he enjoys the quiet of the First State.
When he began at Delaware Tech, Cruz was studying information technology because he loved being on his computer. He soon realized he was unmotivated and needed a change. Kendall Wilson, academic counselor in career services, was the main reason Cruz found legal studies.
"We went through a bunch of different things and I was like, you know what? I've never really thought about anything political," he said.
Wilson showed him what a career in legal studies could lead to.
"I just realized the main thing I like to do is just to help people. And so, I was thinking, how can I do that on a massive scale?" he said. "Come to realize that, you know, a lot of people in the government have a lot of power to do the right thing."
After changing his major to legal studies, Cruz committed to improving himself, focusing on self-care, becoming more outgoing, and getting involved on campus. He said Theresa Wilson, student life program manager, and fellow student, Seth Kenner, helped him come out of his shell as he became active in student organizations.
"[Seth] is really one of my closest friends on campus," Cruz said. "Without him, I probably wouldn't know half the people that I do. He's definitely pushed me further than I thought I could push myself."
Cruz is president of the Student Legal Association and will pursue his bachelor's degree after graduation. His dream career is to be president of the United States.
"I know it's a crazy idea, but you know, like I said before, you only live once," he said. "Why even live at all if you're not even gonna try to be what you think you can or want [to be]?"
With his plan to work in government, Cruz wants to help as many people as he can. His advice to other students is to change their environment and surround themselves with people who uplift them.
"Just show up on campus, if you want to get more involved," he said, "and if you want to learn more, get more knowledgeable, get more resources. You've got to just at least show up."
