Brianna Arriaga '25
Brianna Arriaga ’25 came to Illinois College from Austin, Texas, ready to grow. Originally recruited for the golf team, she found her calling in criminal justice and a deep commitment to leadership and service.
“I always knew I wanted to be a police officer and eventually a homicide detective,” she says. “At IC, I found the confidence and the experiences to pursue that dream.”
As a criminal justice major with a sociology minor, Arriaga immersed herself in roles that built her leadership and people skills. She served as a residential assistant and a peer mentor, learning how to hold herself and others accountable. These responsibilities gave her a solid foundation for a career in law enforcement.
Her defining experience came during an internship with the Springfield Police Department. Riding along with officers, including female role models, gave her firsthand exposure to the reality of the job. “It was intense and inspiring,” she recalls. “I saw they were real people making a difference, and I knew I could do it too.”
Arriaga also credits her mentor, David Walter, assistant professor of criminal justice, for pushing her to take that internship and for offering constant encouragement throughout her journey.
Whether leading on campus or experiencing the criminal justice system from the inside, Arriaga gained more than just knowledge — she gained perspective. “I took so many lessons from every experience,” she says. “And now I’m ready to take the next step.”