By Tara Hale, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
A Q&A with Kelsey Muniz
Kelsey Muniz. Photo by College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Major: Forensic and Investigative Sciences
Hometown: Giddings, TX
Graduation: May 2015
Favorite color: Pink
On her time in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences…
How did you discover your major?
My aunt has worked for the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Missing Persons Unit for many years and I was always interested in the many stories she would tell regarding the efforts to find missing victims. Real-life crime scene shows, such as Forensic Files, also helped increase this interest. I also love the mystery and puzzle-solving involved in this field, where each case is something unique and different. So when I was looking for a field to go into, forensic science just seemed like an awesome career to pursue. Not everyone gets to say they have a job like what you see on T.V.
What is your favorite thing about being in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences?
One of my favorite things about being in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is the emphasis it places on helping others and changing the world. This mindset is heavily emphasized within my major by stressing the importance of correctly applying science in order to gain justice for victims of crimes. Being able to help others who are less fortunate than I or who are not able to help themselves is a driving force for why I volunteer in my community as well as why I chose to major in forensic science. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University sets the perfect example of how education can be used to improve the world.
On her future plans…
What is your dream job?
In forensics, my dream job would be to work as a latent print examiner or a crime scene investigator. Through my internship experience with Austin Police Department’s Forensic Science Division as well as specialty courses I have taken during my college education, I have learned that my true passion lies within investigating crime scenes as well as examining fingerprints. Ever since I was younger, I always dreamed of being like CSI’s I would see on T.V., and now I am able to have that opportunity which is truly exciting.
On her Aggie experiences…
What is your favorite Aggie tradition?
The Aggie ring is definitely my favorite Aggie tradition. As an Aggie, that little piece of gold is so much more than just a class ring. It is a symbol of all the hard work and determination each student gives in order to earn it. Through this ring, the entire Aggie family is able to be connected. This tradition was also the way in which I was recently proposed to. My now fiancé surprised me on Ring Day by not only receiving his Aggie Ring, but by placing an engagement ring inside the box as well.
If you could give your freshman-self advice, what would it be?
My advice would be to not underestimate your ability to succeed. Throughout my freshman year, which was by far the most difficult, I often doubted my ability to make it through college. This was especially the case after I took my very first college exam and made a 62. (In high school, I was a straight A student in the top 10% of my class, so this was a major deal for me!) So my advice to my freshman-self would be that you are capable of more than you give yourself credit for, so do not let one test or bad grade define who you are.