Jacqueline (Jacquie) Purcell ‘22 already has two bachelor’s degrees (one from Albertus) and a master’s degree, but this next master’s in criminal justice is helping her with a fresh start.
Jacquie says Albertus Magnus College is staying true to its mission after giving her a second chance. After being incarcerated for 7 months, Jacquie knew it was going to be challenging to readjust to daily life. She developed a passion to help other women like her in the reentry process and knew she had to update her skills. After applying to 7 colleges and universities, three of which she has degrees from, Albertus was the only school that accepted her.
On Tuesday, March 29, Jacquie hosted a fireside chat in the campus center living room to talk about her journey. Her daughter, her husband, her parents, and her mentor/professor John Lawrie all showed up to show their support.
After sharing her story, Jacquie explained how freedom comes from within by not letting adversity, trauma, and poor choices weigh you down.
“Every situation and choice we have in life has a gift buried deep inside it and sometimes we really have to look hard but when we find it … that is true freedom.”
Jacquie is the Founder and Executive Director of Evolution Reentry and is currently working on a documentary on women’s prisons throughout the state of Connecticut.
Be on the lookout for Jacquie’s Senior Success Story this summer to learn more about her journey.
Are you looking to take your career to the next level like Jacquie? Learn more about our Master of Science in Criminal Justice Program at our virtual information session on Tuesday, April 5. Register here.