If you are someone who does not have everything planned out, like I was, don’t look at your friends and compare yourself. Everyone gets to where they are going on their own two feet, and things will fall into place.
After taking an introduction to criminal justice class at Bridgewater State University, Kayla Machado, ’19, knew she had discovered her path.
“I loved it, which is ultimately what made me decide to focus on criminal justice,” she said.
Kayla earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in psychology.
The inspiration she found while taking that criminal justice class led her to working in a position where she helps others.
Today, Machado serves as the education and outreach coordinator for the Women’s Center, a nonprofit agency that works with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault located in New Bedford.
“We provide wrap-around services during some of the most traumatic and challenging times of a person’s life,” she said.
To support victims and survivors, the organization offers counseling, emergency short term shelter, transitional housing assistance, court advocacy and a youth trauma program where licensed clinicians work one-on-one with children who have been victims of abuse.
In her role, Machado’s focus is on the community and making connections, along with prevention work.
She works closely with schools and speaks to students about healthy relationships, boundaries, and how to keep yourself and loved ones safe.
“Being able to give these children the basic information about boundaries alone is huge,” Machado said. “This is not a subject that is typically discussed in schools. Having the ability to make positive connections and bring light to such heavy topics is something I’m proud of.”
Finding her calling has been rewarding. She is grateful for the professors in the criminal justice department for their knowledge and support and helping her discover her path, especially Professor Kadijha Monk.
“She was a professor who helped me during the more difficult classes. I learned a lot, and was always looking forward to her classes,” Machado said.
As she moves forward, Machado looks to continue networking and building connections, not only for the Women’s Center but professionally as well.
“I want to continue seeing the different within our communities that the prevention work was in fact able to reduce the number of people being victims of abuse, harassment or assault,” she said.
For BSU students carving out their own paths, Machado said it’s all about finding a balance and realizing your journey may be different than others.
“If you are someone who does not have everything planned out, like I was, don’t look at your friends and compare yourself,” she said. “Everyone gets to where they are going on their own two feet, and things will fall into place.”
The Bridgewater chapter is all part of creating the outcome.
“You will look back one day and be proud of your achievements and your failures that helped you get there,” she said.
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