BCLA Summer Internship Spotlight: Trinity Collins ‘28 Gets a Behind-The-Scenes View of Police Work and Community Engagement Working With the Santa Monica Police Department’s[...]

For Trinity Collins '28, a summer internship with Santa Monica's Juvenile Diversion program began with a willingness to step into a role that was outside of her immediate scope, and even outside of her comfort zone. A philosophy major on the pre-law track, Collins has long been interested in advocacy, justice, and understanding the systems that shape people's lives.

"I never imagined I would end up working out of a police department and alongside law enforcement professionals," Collins said. "However, I have learned that some of the most meaningful experiences come from stepping out of your comfort zone and being willing to explore opportunities you might not have originally pictured for yourself."

As an administrative intern supporting the Juvenile Diversion Program, Collins gained a behind-the-scenes perspective on community-based work like supporting youth programming and initiatives designed to strengthen relationships between young people, their families, and the broader Santa Monica community. Alongside this, Collins also researched best practices in youth diversion, developed onboarding materials for future police officers and detectives, and participated in meetings with detectives and community organizers.

"Be prepared for the day-to-day pivot," Collins found this to be the unofficial theme of the summer. Collins learned to expect plans to change and allow new opportunities to emerge.

One of her most memorable experiences was attending a detective briefing: "Walking into a room full of officers who were focused and serious was intimidating at first - I couldn't help but feel like I had walked into a real-life episode of Law & Order," Collins recalled.

As the meeting progressed, her initial uncertainty gave way to curiosity and appreciation. The people behind the badge were seen as people with a deep commitment to the community they served. Collins noted that experience as one of the summer's highlights, alongside joining an officer for a ride-along, helping organize a youth event in Santa Monica, and meeting with community partners to provide resources for young people and their families.

Through the internship, Collins developed a deeper understanding of what advocacy requires. She noted that she has a newfound appreciation for what it means to be a true advocate for the community. Stating that meaningful advocacy goes beyond having strong beliefs, it requires listening, understanding perspectives different from your own, building relationships, and working collaboratively toward solutions.

The experience has strengthened the connection between Collins' academic work and her future goals. Philosophy has taught her to think critically, ask difficult questions, and remain open to different perspectives. These skills were applied directly to her work with the summer internship.

For Collins, the experience has also brought LMU's values to life. Through youth advocacy, community partnerships, and efforts to create positive outcomes for young people and their families, she has seen firsthand how education, service, and a commitment to justice can extend beyond the classroom.

"Funding programs like this removes barriers that can prevent students from participating in valuable professional opportunities," Collins stated. "Because of BCLA's support, I was able to focus on learning, building relationships, and gaining hands-on experience rather than having to worry about how to balance the financial demands of an unpaid internship."

She advises all future students interested in an internship to stay open-minded: "An internship does not have to be exactly what you imagined or perfectly match your future career plans to be valuable," Collins said. "Every experience teaches you something new - whether it is a professional skill, a new perspective, or a better understanding of yourself."

An unexpected summer experience became an opportunity to challenge her assumptions, expand her understanding of the local community, and clarify the kind of advocate and leader she hopes to become.

"If you are willing to learn, ask questions, and step outside of your comfort zone, you will gain something meaningful from the experience."