Gregory Wright
Dallas College Police Department
Mesquite, TX USA
"Don’t focus on what someone else is doing. Focus on what you want to do and it will come in its own time."
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Gregory's work combines: Law, Government, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I had friends that doubted my decision to pursue a law enforcement career at 36 years old. They didn't think I could do it. Their doubts fueled me because I wanted to prove them wrong. I wanted to show them that I can do anything I set my mind to. Rio Salado College gave me the opportunity to do that with their law enforcement program. I recommend blocking out the naysayers by disassociating yourself with them. You don't need that negativity in your life.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Certification
Basic Police Certificate, Criminal Justice/Police Science
Cedar Valley College
Associate's Degree
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement
Rio Salado College
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I always dreamed of becoming a police officer and would talk about it with my brother but didn’t act on it.
2.
As the oldest of three kids raised by a single mother, I started my career in grocery retail at 15 years old to help out—I ended up staying for 23 years.
3.
I thought my chance of becoming a police officer had passed but when my brother was killed in a car accident, it felt urgent that I pursue my dream.
4.
The day after my brother’s funeral, I went to the police academy to get started in law enforcement.
5.
I earned my police certificate and started working for the Dallas College Police Department.
6.
When I decided to fulfill another dream of mine and become the first male in my family to graduate from college, a fellow officer directed me to Rio Salado College.
7.
I graduated with a degree in criminal justice technology from Rio Salado College.
8.
I’ve been with the Dallas College Police Department for 14 years now and currently work as the police sergeant.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Friends:
You can't become a police officer this late in life. You won't be able to finish the physical test. You won't be able to keep up with the schoolwork.
How I responded:
I had friends that doubted my decision to pursue a law enforcement career at 36 years old. They didn't think I could do it. Their doubts fueled me because I wanted to prove them wrong. I wanted to show them that I can do anything I set my mind to. Rio Salado College gave me the opportunity to do that with their law enforcement program. I recommend blocking out the naysayers by disassociating yourself with them. You don't need that negativity in your life.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I dreamed of being a police officer but got a job at a grocery store instead to help my family out. I was the oldest of three kids with a single mom. I stayed at the store for 23 years but fulfilled my dream of being a police officer later in life.