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| Cool Careers: Corrections Officer By: Caitlin Emmons A believer in learning something new everyday, Kristin Balles, a corrections officer at a male facility, is dedicated to helping people learn from their mistakes. While her job may sound a little unusual, Kristin believes that more women should get involved. It is a great chance for you to learn something about yourself and develop a strong sense ofresponsibility, as well as a family. I got the chance to talk to Kristin for a bit about her job and what it means to her. Kristin did not always plan on being a corrections officer. She attended Plymouth College and majored in Physical Education/Health. After graduating, she spent a summer working as a traffic control officer and began learn about the job opportunities available in the corrections field. “I learned more about this career opportunity through family and friends. And now, here I am, planning to keep it as a lifetime career.” At the corrections facility, every day is a new adventure. “There are routines to follow each day when it involves procedures. But also, it is important to be unpredictable for safety reasons.” Through her work at the facility she has learned the value of confidence in herself and in her workmates, but she also reminds readers that confident people do not need to be cocky people. Her mornings begin with a meeting with her co-workers to set the daily agenda. This allows them to stay in better contact with each other. It also let's them figure out any upcoming events that they need to prepare for. After the meeting Kristin heads to her assigned area for the day. From there she goes about her tasks, keeping contraband confiscated, getting inmates to lunch, and ensuring the safety of everyone residing in the facility. Kristin and her coworkers have to be prepared to any incident, this is one of the reasons communication is so vital to her job. There are two main reasons why she loves her job. The first, everyday is something new. “Each day you have to take on and not carry on from the day before. You never know exactly what to expect.” Second, Kristin loves the security her job provides her. With many jobs it is never a guarantee that you will be able to do it forever. For Kristin there is more certainty that her job will always exist. “The world is never going to be perfect! Humans make mistakes and mess up sometimes.” For Kristin, her job is more than an occupation but also a way of life. “You gain a sense of family and unity with coworkers. Its another way for me to feel that sense of team unity, as I am an athlete. There is also always goals to achieve and something to strive for. Its an awesome career with endless opportunity.” Kristin has gained a sense of self respect and realized the importance of responsibility at every moment. Kristin does not have one particular experience that stands out as her favorite, but for her watching herself and those around her grow and change. She hopes that the inmates under her care can also grow and improve their lives. “The most interesting experience of my career is not one particular moment. It is the change and the growth that takes place from day to day. Also, it is the hope for those inmates that take this experience and learn from it, so they can improve their quality of life or perception of it,” she said. And what does she have to say for those AMG girls who are interested in this career? “This is a great job opportunity. It offers advancement opportunities, job benefits, it is active, and has consistency that other jobs do not. You need to be strong and tough. It isn't a day at the park, but there are ways to feel sense of accomplishment, growth, and offer your services in a positive manner.” Thank you, Kristin, for giving us insight into another cool career! |
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