Aiden McKnight has his eyes on the prize. He’s taking online classes in homeland security and managing a full credit load while juggling full-time interests. When he’s not studying, he’s coaching little league football, working a part-time job or making music with his band.
“Obviously school comes first and I kind of finish all my assignments in time so I can leave some time to work on some music,” he said.
McKnight came to AACC after graduating South River High, but “I didn't know really where my path was going to lead me.” Then he discovered homeland security analytics and is working to complete an associate degree in homeland security management and certificate in intelligence analytics through AACC's Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute.
“There's so much that goes into protecting national security in the United States,” McKnight said. “I just really was fascinated by it, and I'm really interested in antiterrorism … antinatural disasters and just helping people in that way.”
The calling runs in his family. McKnight’s father, an AACC alum, is a retired police officer working in the intelligence community. “He really recommended it. I've heard a lot of people say it's the best community college in America. I took a tour to the campus before I signed up. I really liked it.”
From the Writing Center to the library, he’s discovered supportive resources and faculty like Associate Professor Joe Johnson who make learning engaging and practical. Now, he’s sharing tips he has learned from his experiences.
“Advice I'd give to somebody who's just starting out here is to definitely look through all the programs we have here and see what you may be interested in,” McKnight said.
AACC’s Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute boasts 11 degrees and four certificates including a Police Academy track. Majors range from cybercrime, criminal justice, juvenile justice, social justice, forensics, intelligence analytics and border security.
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