Benjamin Manti began making an impact at the College from the time he arrived in 2023. As a student in the Criminal and Social Justice diploma program, he was actively involved in organizing and leading events for more than one Access to Justice Week, participated in many program field trips, was an energetic Avalanche volleyball game-day announcer, a student housing community leader, and a Student Life Assistant. And he managed all this while also becoming a three-time intramural volleyball champion!
Having earned his Criminal and Social Justice diploma, Benjamin will be pursing a meaningful career in law enforcement.
Let’s get to know Ben a little better:
1. Your hometown is in White Rock, BC. Why did you choose College of the Rockies for your Criminal and Social Justice education?
I chose College of the Rockies because I wanted a fresh start and the adventure of going to a place knowing no one and nothing. Of course, the more affordable schooling and smaller classroom sizes did appeal to me, and of course the nature. The lakes, the skiing, the fact that I am able to drive 15 minutes and be in the most beautiful scenery.
2. What stands out most to you about your time at the College?
My time at the college was amazing. I think the thing that stands out most to me was the number of opportunities available for me to take advantage of. From being the voice of the Avalanche, to being a Community Leader, a Student Life Assistant, and helping with many projects in my program, I was trusted and given lots of opportunities. Those opportunities have helped me professionally and personally.
3. What drew you to Criminal and Social Justice and what would be your dream career?
In elementary school, we had to fill out a “What do I want to be when I grow up?” sheet and sure enough, I put down police officer. Throughout the years I toyed with other options but always kept coming back to that idea. I think the aspect of helping, protecting, and serving my community appeals to me a lot. I wanted to have a job where I could make a difference, something with purpose, and that I can be proud of (no knocks to other jobs). I think the job is so unpredictable, diverse, and exciting and I can’t wait to get started.
I think my dream career would be to work in the Calgary Police Service on a tactical team (SWAT). But I’d also like to be involved with youth in the community. I did some basketball coaching here in Cranbrook with grades 4-6 and loved it.
4. Do you feel the Criminal and Social Justice program has helped prepare you to pursue that career?
The program has definitely given me a great base for my career. Not only does it provide the criminal justice knowledge but also the social work aspects too. That mix is very valuable and I feel as a result my knowledge and skill set are diverse, which is always a good thing. I was also lucky to be taught by Avery Hulbert who has such a passion for the program and her students.
5. As a member of the law enforcement community, what impact are you hoping to have on your community?
I hope to be a positive presence, to be known and looked to for help. I want to be a role model in my community. Not only as a police officer, but also as a citizen, a man, and hopefully husband and father one day. Working in Emergency Management the past two summers, the word resilience has always been in the forefront and that´s what I want to contribute to my community. When things maybe go wrong, and they will, how can we be resilient and what can I do to contribute to that?
But my biggest wish for my career, is for my family to be proud of the person I became. I still have a long road to go to become the person I want to be, but taking it one day at a time seems like the best way to do it.