Internship Series | Janaisa Mendoza ’27 MSC ’28 spends summer safeguarding Nantucket beaches

Our Internship Series highlights where our students worked this summer, what they learned, and how these experiences fit into the unique professional journeys they are building at Nichols College. Because real-world preparation is central to our mission, all Nichols students complete an internship before graduation to connect theory with practice.

In this ongoing Q&A series, our students share insights about their internships in their own words. In this entry, Revere, Massachusetts, native Janaisa (Naisa) Mendoza ’27 MSC ’28 takes us behind the scenes of her work as a Community Service Officer with the Nantucket Police Department, for which she patrolled the island’s beaches on an ATV to support community safety.

1. Tell us about your major and what career path you are exploring.

I am a criminal justice major and real estate minor, and I am enrolled in the plus-one master’s track for the Master of Science in Counterterrorism program at Nichols. I have a strong interest in entering law enforcement, specifically as an officer. I want to be able to make a positive impact by serving my community, protecting others and continuing to build the relationship between law enforcement and the public.

2. Where did you complete your internship, and why did you take this internship on—what were your goals?

I completed my internship with the Nantucket Police Department as a Community Service Officer (CSO). I decided to take this internship on because it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I wanted to be able to learn more about going into the law enforcement field, while also taking an amazing opportunity to explore a new place. I wanted to take what I have learned thus far from the classroom and apply it to the real world. My biggest goal for this internship was to ensure that this is the career I want for myself and learn everything I can about this field.

3. What did a typical day look like for you during this experience?

Working in the beach patrol ATV unit meant my day was unique compared to everyone else’s. A typical day for me was waking up, getting ready for the day, eating breakfast, packing my lunch and then heading to the station for the morning meeting. Before heading out, I would grab my required shift equipment, including a radio. After our meeting, I would head to the storage facility where we kept our ATVs. Then I would do my pre-shift check of my ATV, including its tire pressure and oil levels. Then I would go to my assigned beach, begin my patrol shift and help visitors. I would take lunch about halfway through my shift and then continue. After my shift, I would properly wash my ATV to ensure it was clean for my next day. Lastly, I would go back to the station to turn in my equipment for charging. After that, I would typically get dinner with some of the other CSOs and then prepare my things for the next day.

4. How did your school coursework prepare you for this role?

My coursework acted as a strong foundation in criminal law, ethics and the criminal justice system. My courses allowed me to understand the legal principles behind the work I was doing and observing. They also helped me strengthen my critical thinking and communication skills, which helped me use the radio effectively. My coursework also reinforced the importance of professionalism, integrity and ethical decision-making within law enforcement that the Nantucket Police Department emphasized.

5. How has your internship experience shaped your future goals after graduation?

This internship solidified my desire to pursue a career in law enforcement after graduation. Seeing the dedication, teamwork, hard work and responsibility required of officers strengthened my commitment to serving the public. This opportunity has motivated me to continue developing my leadership skills and gain more experience that will prepare me for a successful career in law enforcement. This internship also opened my eyes to different possibilities for my future career.

6. What advice do you have for other Nichols students looking for an internship?

My biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of every opportunity, even if it scares you. I was afraid to step out of my comfort zone and spend an entire summer alone on an island. However, this was one of the best experiences I could have possibly had. Being open to learning from everything and everyone around you will only help you in the future. And remember to treat every task given as an opportunity to grow. In the end, the experience gained during an internship is invaluable and will help you shape your future career.

(Pictured in story photo: Mendoza at Low Beach in Siasconset enjoying some downtime during her summer as a Community Resource Officer on Nantucket.)