Samantha Draper is entering her senior year at Michigan State University and serves as the intern for Prevent 2 Protect. She resides within the College of Social Science, pursuing a Major in Criminal Justice and an Additional Major in Psychology, along with a Minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy, and a second Minor in Youth and Society.
Sam participated in The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program®, which offered an opportunity to learn about the realities of the correctional system alongside those who have experienced it firsthand. Additionally, she is a prospective participant for The Adolescent Diversion Program, which allows students to engage in child advocacy and mentorship. These unique experiences engage directly with voices often unheard – children and incarcerated individuals, which results in an enhanced level of empathy. Furthermore, Sam has worked in security for MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety and served as a Student Ambassador for MSU’s School of Criminal Justice. Simultaneously, she’s been participating in a wide variety of student-led organizations, demonstrating her commitment to community involvement.
Her passion lies in investigative work involving both victims and offenders, focusing on ensuring everyone receives the support they deserve. Sam offers a thoughtful, balanced perspective to the team, and is deeply motivated by a desire to advocate for those who need it most.
“I have always been fascinated by the human mind, and how it vastly differentiates across all individuals. While the field of Criminal Justice often prioritizes future outcomes, I’m intrigued by the factors influencing a person’s path leading up to the event itself. I’m driven to explore the root causes of criminal behavior and to understand the personal experiences that contribute to it. Getting to support children and their families with an educational, psychiatric, and law enforcement-based perspective is an experience unique to Prevent 2 Protect. It is this diverse approach that ensures that those most vulnerable receive the meaningful support they truly deserve.”