Grad Profile: Bailey Allen

Northampton Community College (NCC) student, Bailey Allen, had her first experience with NCC when she tried her hand at dual enrollment as a Bangor High School student. “With the stress of senior year, I was not able to make it work. However, I decided to come back for my degree once I graduated from high school since I liked the college and its affordability,” she said. 

Allen chose the criminal justice program at NCC because she heard it was one of the best. “You will learn much more about our rights and the laws than you thought you would. You will also hear fascinating stories from the professors here who have extensive experience in the field.”  

When she first enrolled at NCC, Allen was dealing with some unforeseen health issues but was able to continue her studies thanks to compassionate professors and family members. “When I had to miss class or even needed more time on my work for certain classes, my professors were empathetic towards me.” She was also fortunate to have the support of her sister, Sydney, who attended NCC when Allen first started. She credits her sister with helping her get acclimated to college life and navigate the struggles she was going through. 

Allen’s challenges didn’t end with her own health issues though. In the middle of her last semester, Allen’s mom had gone to the doctors thinking she had the flu, but the doctors found that she had congestive heart failure. This was an especially difficult time in Allen’s life, but her professors supported her. “My English professor at the time was Professor Michelini, and the day I found out about my mom’s condition, I had a conference with her about my last essay. She helped me through the rough time and allowed me to very ugly cry in her office. All the professors within the criminal justice department here are very understanding and will help you through times you think you won’t be able to get through.” 

While attending NCC, Allen helped to re-start the Criminal Justice Club. The advisor of the club asked his class if anyone was willing to help get the club back up and running. She was the first to volunteer and assisted in spreading the word about all the club’s activities. She was eventually elected President, and she made many of her friends at NCC through her involvement with the club. “Thanks to the Criminal Justice Club, I’ve learned about many different occupations that involve my major. We had representatives from the Monroe County Coroner’s Office, a parole/probation officer, a man who was in prison for 20+ years along with his lawyer and a colonel. We visited The Eastern State Penitentiary and 9/11 memorial. There were many great experiences.” 

After graduation, Allen plans on enrolling in a Lethal Weapons Training Act 235 program. The training provides certifications to privately employed agents to carry a lethal weapon. “I need this certification so I can become an armed security officer. I have a job opportunity lined up after graduation with a friend from my volunteer fire company up in Pine Ridge, PA.” Her ultimate goal is to work in a police station or in a correctional institution one day.