As a second-year Shelton National Scholar and junior criminology major, Rheaa Anand is a force of public service and altruism. She’s already embarked on a remarkable journey of high-level learning experiences right at the onset of her college tenure. It started with her decision to apply for the Shelton Scholars program.
Anand discovered the Shelton Scholars program during her search for college scholarships. When she came across the Scholars program, she believed that the program’s values aligned with her own.
“I saw that the Shelton Scholars program is very community oriented and very leadership oriented, which are two things that I greatly value in people and in myself,” Anand said. “I saw the program as a good opportunity not only to build those skills, but also to apply them.”
Her decision to attend NC State came down to one thing.
“I chose to attend NC State once I was accepted into the Shelton Scholars Program — that sealed the deal for me,” Anand said. “It is such a unique program that provides opportunity for community service and leadership. It’s life-changing to help people and make their day better. I think the Shelton Leadership Center does a really good job of incorporating community service externally and within the program. We are a family. The Shelton Scholars have grown very close in a short amount of time.”
A focus on community impact
Within the Shelton Scholars program, students are expected to complete a project geared at applying their personal ethical framework in a professional context. With this as her charge, Anand saw the opportunity to pursue a research project that combines her passion for public service and her professional interest in criminology.
“My project is mainly to do the research to create a program that will help with preventing recidivism among local, non-violent inmates,” Anand said. “Specifically, it will provide them help learning life skills, problem-solving, and the mental skills needed to go through life especially after they leave prison.”
While her project is in the early stages, she is currently researching similar programs throughout the country to see what has worked or hasn’t worked for other communities.
Her interest in the subject sparked from her research on the prison system in the United States. From what she has learned, individuals released from prison aren’t always provided the necessary skills to successfully return to life outside of the system, most of the time resulting in a return to crime and prison.
For Anand, she believes this research could lead to implementing policy that has a positive impact on the local community.
“This project would help the convicts to not recreate their crimes and return to prison, which would also help lower the crime rates in Raleigh and the Triangle area,” Anand said. “It would also help the businesses in the area who are struggling to find employees. I am hoping this project will impact a good amount of the community and in different ways.”
Hands-on learning and career aspirations
Anand’s aspirations in the criminal justice system oscillate between criminal justice policy administration and a career in law enforcement. Her internship with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department during the summer of 2023 provided her with firsthand exposure to the latter.
“The experience was absolutely incredible — those eight weeks were life-changing,” Anand said.
According to Anand, a typical day in the program started with a police-grade workout. The workouts were followed by classroom learning during which different police units would come and share insight on their career routes. The immersive experience also allowed Anand to participate in ride-alongs, offering her invaluable insights into the structure and dynamics of a police officer’s typical shift.
The internship opportunity served as a gateway for Anand to explore a potential career as a police officer while also aiding in dispelling misconceptions she previously held about the industry.
“Doing this internship allowed me to see what life is really like as a police officer, and how what we see in the media isn’t always accurate,” Anand said. “I had many biases when it came to law enforcement, but this internship really showed me how not all officers are bad and corrupt, and it is important to see every side of the situation before jumping to conclusions.”
Throughout the internship, Anand worked with the fellow interns to complete an applications-based project that they presented at the internship’s conclusion. The project was instrumental as she reflected on the leadership and professional skills she gained during the internship.
International impact and beyond
Anand’s leadership and civic engagement expands past North Carolina. The Shelton Scholars program has also provided her the opportunity to bring her passion for public service to the global level.
“My favorite experience as a Shelton Scholar was traveling to London,” Anand said. “I am a traveler at heart. I haven’t been anywhere outside of the country except to India with my family. So for me, going out of the country to London was incredible.”
In Spring 2023, the Shelton Scholars traveled to London for their annual international service trip. Their trip’s mission was to practice selfless service and apply their leadership skills in a global setting. While on the trip, the Shelton Scholars ran a food stand in the streets of London to feed individuals that are homeless. The experience provided a deep impact for Anand.
“The experience was a good reminder for me that everybody is going through something,” Anand said. “The least you can do is help other people.”
Whether on a global scale or through her professional endeavors, Anand seeks to continue helping people.
As for her next plans?
Anand is taking an active part in planning the Spring Shelton Scholars Symposium, a showcase opportunity that allows the Scholars to present their impact projects and research for the university community.
She also hopes to pursue more hands-on opportunities within community law enforcement.