National Police Week Spotlight on Alumna Michelle Lim
Michelle Lim
Q. What has your degree meant to you personally and professionally?
A. Achieving my degree has meant a great deal to me. It was a long time goal, which was so fulfilling to achieve. My degree process challenged me and I learned new skills. I also formed wonderful friendships and bonds with fellow classmates and the instructors. I was able to work and study with others who were working in my field. Collaborating with the other students and the instructors made this a great learning experience. It has also made me more confident in my own abilities at work and in my personal life.
Q. What quality do you admire most about your alma mater?
A. I discovered that UI&U had a combination of online and on grounds classes held at a local police department. I liked the fact that I could be in class once a week, interact with my classmates, and complete assignments the rest of the week online.
Q. If you could give advice to a Union student, what would it be?
A. Don’t put your dream on the back burner. I had always had the dream to further my education and obtain a bachelor’s degree, however, life happens and I had to place that dream on hold. I began a career in law enforcement early on, started a family, and decided to take a year off before transferring and working on my goal. That year turned into a sixteen year break. I was fortunate that I was able to make a successful living in law enforcement, however, I noticed if I wanted to advance in my career, eventually I would have to return to school.
Q. What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment?
A. Aside from achieving my degree through UI&U, my greatest accomplishment is being a mother to two beautiful children. Without them, I would not have strived to do and be more and complete this degree.
Q. What is your passion away from work?
A. We all know that working in law enforcement can be stressful and also cause burdens at home. You need to have an outlet outside of work. For me, my passion is spending time with family, traveling, hiking, fishing, and doing anything outdoors. One thing I learned early on is that we deal with and see things on a daily basis that the average person does not want to or could not handle, so having an outlet after work is extremely important for your health and mental well-being.