“As a student, I benefited from EOU scholarships and local community scholarships to assist with my education. I was also able to begin my professional career in the criminal justice system prior to graduation. I kept a connection with the broader community while a student, a connection many students, staff, and professors at EOU. Attending a university in a small community also meant I could balance schooling and work to maintain an affordable lifestyle. I believe this balance was a large part of my success and contributed greatly to my professional career development.”