“I moved to Utah in 2018 and eventually found myself working in security at the U. The culture here is very different compared to working in private security, like at a bank. You really have to be community-oriented and knowledgeable about what’s happening on campus and within the student body. That’s why I really enjoy working here.

You have to take a more empathetic and understanding approach. If you see someone crying—or distraught—what can you do to help them? You might see someone having a bad day and think, ‘Oh man, they’re a jerk,’ but in reality, they could just be going through a really difficult time—it’s not about you.

It’s something I’ve seen happen with other security officers, and it means we have to step up as a team and take on a role of understanding. Especially when people look at you, as security, and think, Is something going on? Then you disarm them with a smile, and they relax. The most important thing is having empathy for the student body and helping them through college.

At universities, we see things like school shootings or suicides. These tragedies happen on college campuses, and we need to have a community mentality—to be observers who are aware of how people are feeling at all times. It’s a big part of our job that often goes unnoticed—being there for the community.

I really care about justice and the justice system. I applied to be a University of Utah police officer and started taking criminal justice classes at Salt Lake Community College. Hopefully, that will lead to law school at the U. It’s a great law school, and it would be amazing to continue my studies here.

I’m interested in law because I want to understand how we’re able to create change. It’s one of the most important aspects of our society, yet most people don’t fully realize how much the law impacts our lives and everything we do. I spend a lot of time reading the news because if you ignore everything, in a way, you’re giving up your power.

My plan for the future is to attend school, expand my knowledge and be prepared for when the opportunity comes. I’d definitely consider a career as a counselor or public official—something that allows me to create change at the highest levels.

—Andrew Forrester, a University of Utah security officer, from West Palm Beach, Florida