Just a Normal Ole Saturday

Ah, the weekend - that magical time when you can do all the nothing you've been dreaming about all week. But not for me. No, I had the distinct honor of receiving the golden ticket to hobnob with the philanthropic elite at a local shindig where they mix tunes with ponies for a good cause. That's right, a friend roped me into the glamorous world of fundraising for a music and equine therapy outfit. They're like the horse whisperers for kids in need, but with more tambourines.

And get this – it wasn't just a cozy gathering of do-gooders. I was amidst the company of eight of her proteges – these kids were so eager to volunteer, you'd think they were giving out free backstage passes to a TikTok convention. There we were, a merry band of charity musketeers, diving headfirst into a sea of activities. Who knew that trying to convince people to part with their cash could be more fun than a barrel of monkeys with a trust fund?

The moral of the story? Next time you think you're in for a snooze-fest of a weekend, just find yourself a friend with a penchant for equine therapy and a troop of enthusiastic mini-volunteers. It's the wild ride you never knew you needed!

I must admit, evenings like these are a balm for the soul. For those residing near Florida's Treasure Coast, I earnestly recommend visiting Harmony Hope Stables. It's a place deserving of attention and support. Amidst the stereotypes of Martin County's affluence and exclusivity, there lies a heartening counter-narrative.

During my time there, I was quietly moved by the display of pure altruism. From local business owners to families who not only utilize but genuinely rely on the facility's services, their generosity is a testament to the community's spirit. Moreover, the local college students there impressed me deeply with their maturity and eagerness to give back. These experiences serve as a humbling reminder that beneath the surface, there's a wealth of kindness and a commitment to service that binds us all.

Time Flies

Well here I am again. Wondering how months have flown by without even an attempt to post a blog. How in the world do people keep up with social media… like juggle multiple platforms like a pro, blog, work and find time to have a social life and oh yes, the ever important self-care?

So, I am going to give this blog another shot. Why torture myself, you ask? I could just say, why not? Because I have a tendancy to be an over-achiever or so I am told. The truth, I used to write all of the time and I have a project in mind, so I need to dust off the cobwebs.

No way, I am telling you about this new project because it is a totally for me project. I may or may not share if and when I complete it. We will just have to see how it goes and then how I feel about it in the end. Support would be appreciated…even though you don’t know the project you can still send support that I am just me and pull off something outside of the box and crazy. You know, being my own brand of happy, crazy and entertaining.

So what to brief you on and how, with so many months and miles between us. Hmmm, so let’s go with opportunities that came out of no where, goals I set and achieved and tease you with the fact that I have a major announcement coming soon. The “act” has already come to fruition and it includes more than just me and makes the community service, teacher, and person who doesn’t take NO for an answer so unbelievable proud and happy. Surprised…not at all because I believe that everything can be accomplished if enough effort and heart are put into it. And we did and will continue to do so. Intrigued…I hope so because it is something beyond my wildest imagination. That says a lot!

Those opportunities I mentioned, came in the form of being the subject matter expert (criminologist, victimologist…) on multiple shows and a bunch of episodes for new shows on Oxygen. Mark of a Killer, Charmed to Death and a new show previewing in January are under my belt. Guess what, I liked. No, I loved it. It is something I never imagined doing. I get to bring attention to my school (Indian River State College), get my students to engage in their criminal justice studies, and made a bunch of amazing contacts and friends along the way. A lot of those have spoken with, been interviewed by, offered jobs to and given lectures to my students. That is the best part of the whole thing.

I spoke again this year at CrimeCon, and was joined by my podcast co-host PCubed (Pierre.) We are joined each year by more students and alumni. Watching them network, while I do the same is so much fun. How does the saying go, “It is amazing what you can accomplish when you don’t care who gets the credit?” We encourage them and then watch them fly. That is the teacher in both me and Pierre - making an impression on others so that they believe in themselves and reach for the stars. And that is where they belong.

If you wondering why I haven’t mentioned the podcast that is because I have a “day job” as well. As a criminal justice professor, it has been a crazy ride, with ups and downs, changes and challenges thanks to Covid and quite a few other forces to deal with. But fear not, P’s eye rolling will be returning soon and I have researched myself up one side and down the other to bring you new cases, entertain you as well, annoy PCubed which is always a favorite and most importantly bring the victims to life as they are who we should truly focus on.

Hmmmm, so much to do still tonight, so off I run. I hope you are glad to hear from me and get back on track following me and encouraging me to continue trying new things and reach for my own stars.

Glad to be back!

Dr. M

Unbelievably Proud

If a professor is lucky one or two students will pass through his or her class during his or her career that they know will make them unbelievably proud and validate the choice of career. Trust me teaching is a job that no one goes into because of the paycheck. The hours are long because they continue way past the time one leaves the office, weekends are always interrupted and trying to be continually creative so that students stay engaged takes a lot of thought and time. Ask most of us, and we will tell you that it is a job that is worth all of this.

This past weekend is the perfect example for me and I want to share it with you. As most of you know, I am a criminal justice professor. Along with all of the other professional experiences I enjoy, one that I am honored to have been asked to participate in, is to serve on the Board of Directors of Catch the Wave of Hope. PLEASE PLEASE look them up. This organization believes in educating the public about the horrific crime of human trafficking, teaching our children how to be safe, trains law enforcement in noticing the red flags and then somehow also finds the time for the amazing Executive Director to provide treatment and find services for those who have fallen victim to those who would abuse them.

Where does the unbelievably proud come in???? Here ^ just look at the students who attended the Catch the Wave of Hope Gala (island theme) this past weekend. They are just a few of the criminal justice students that attend Indian River State College and are also members of the Pi Beta Iota Chapter of the International Criminal Justice Honor Society!!! What were you doing when you were their age?

These students and one alumnus came out to show support for not only the organization (CTWOH) but to also learn and bring back knowledge to their classmates, incorporate information into their course work and just in general bring awareness to the public that human trafficking exists even in “our” backyard.

These young adults represented the college, the honor society and me in a way that I think they deserve to be recognized for dealing with a topic that most adults don’t want to admit exist. They are true ambassadors and I couldn’t have been more proud to escort them to this event.

By the way, if you aren’t aware of it most college students are not wealthy and definitely did not choose the criminal justice career path to get any wealthier than I did when I decided to teach BUT do you know that these students not only bid and rebid and bid again on items to support the cause and even more to my amazement THEY WON!

Look at these faces because these are the faces of your future leaders and these are leaders that I, as well as the rest of the criminal justice department of Indian River State College will proudly stand behind and support them all the way to their own version of success.

To those of you that I am speaking about: THANK YOU for being YOU. For making us proud and showing your knowledge, understanding and support for a cause that needs much more attention!

Dr. M