By Mariyah Ramirez
Mother and police officer of 15 years, Veronica Sanchez has recently become a part of the Granada Hills Charter (GHC) family as our school resource officer.
She graduated from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) academy in 2006. The LAPD is known to have a grueling academy. Recruits are put through both physical and academic training which is rigorous and often exhausting. The academy is often one of the biggest challenges to becoming a police officer.
When Officer Sanchez was in the academy it was an eight month program. So, it was a challenge to manage both her time in the academy and her life outside of the academy, especially as a mother.
“The training wasn’t a big challenge for me, but time management between the academy and my outside life was challenging,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez’s family, however, has always supported her career. Her children, especially, have been her motivation and inspiration for her career as a police officer. Sanchez’s family understands public service as her husband is a veteran and her son is currently in the military.
“My family has been my inspiration and motivation. I always want to be a good role model for them,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez is very aware of her status as a role model both for her own kids as well as the students in the school. She demonstrates that with both positivity and focus, it is possible to achieve one’s goals.
As a woman in a primarily male job, she knows the difficulties of pursuing the path that goes against societal expectations. She encourages girls to chase their goals even if that is in a predominantly male job.
“If you have a goal, nothing is impossible,” Sanchez said.
The Plaid Press 