Investigation

Naomi is getting very close to taking tangible steps towards applying to college. She's still got decisions to make related to the degree she would like to pursue (forensics? veternarian? something totally different?), so this summer she added a couple extra data points to add to the mix. 

First, she applied for, was accepted into and then attended an exclusive one-day Dallas FBI Teen Academy (roughly 40 students). She got to visit the Dallas FBI office and experience a variety of law enforcement activities. She learned about scenarios when special agents are allowed to use lethal force -- and then tested her reaction and shooting skills in a simulation (video) drill. She experienced the bomb squad firing a flash bang and 9-bang. She witnessed a real-world CSI for a case in Dallas that was solved. She also met a member of the SWAT team and saw their bearcat vehicle. It was an action-packed, interesting day and she's got a certificate to show for it! (No other photos, as phones were not allowed in the building!) Does she want to be a gun-carrying FBI special agent? Not really, but the world of crime investigation still intrigues her.  

Another opportunity for Naomi to be exposed to crime scene and forensics stuff came when she attended Collin College's Crime Scene Investigation summer camp. She spent 3 hours each day for 3 days being exposed to various crime scene techniques. She learned finger-printing (her favorite), capturing shoe prints and evaluating blood splatters. She also got to analyze handwriting, learn about the unreliability of witness testimonies, and try creating a police sketch (composite drawing).

While these experiences are far from an actual career and intended to be "fun" more than educational, it did confirm that she enjoys this area of work. Time will tell!