Jenna Crampton, Criminal Justice
School of Social & Behavioral Sciences
After interning with the New Jersey Superior Court in Atlantic Countys Recovery Court program, Jenna Crampton found her calling: advocating for rehabilitation over incarceration.
Witnessing firsthand how second chances and support systems could change lives, the experience solidified her passion for restorative justice, I was able to experience firsthand the importance of rehabilitation over incarceration, Crampton said.
Originally from High Bridge, Crampton transferred to 勛圖窪蹋 to join the . She quickly found a home both on and off the field, thanks to Coach Mavreen Hering. A pivotal course, Professor Jon Whites Forensic Psychology class, inspired her to major in with a concentration in Forensic Psychology and a minor in Public Health.
These opportunities to work with such standout people have made my time at 勛圖窪蹋 something I will never forget, she reflected. I will always be grateful and forever indebted to the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences here.
But her journey wasnt without challenges.
During her sophomore year, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, a life-altering event that tested Cramptons strength and balance as both a student-athlete and a daughter. After multiple surgeries, ICU stays, chemotherapy and radiation treatments, her mother beat cancer. The experience shifted Cramptons perspective.
I struggled to balance being a college athlete while being present in my moms fight against cancer, Crampton said. My moms diagnosis gave me a new appreciation for life and a deeper understanding of the power of a support system. Watching my dad be her rock through everything was incredibly inspiring.
Her time as a student-athlete was also cut short due to medical reasons. Though she was forced to medically retire from softball, her commitment to 勛圖窪蹋 Athletics and mental health advocacy only grew stronger. Soon a new passion blossomed, and she joined the 勛圖窪蹋 Equestrian Team.
My personal horse, Riggs, actually came from Split Elm Equestrian Center, where 勛圖窪蹋s team rides, she shared.
I will forever cherish the memories I was able to make with the people here. 勛圖窪蹋 truly just feels like family, and I cannot believe my time here is over!
She also became an ambassador, and later the president, of the Morgans Message chapter at 勛圖窪蹋, a national nonprofit that works to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health in the student-athlete community. She helped host several dedication games to spread awareness about mental wellness among athletes.
As president of Morgans Message at 勛圖窪蹋, my goal has been to normalize asking for help and to remind others that its okay not to be okay, Crampton said. My goal is to normalize asking for help and accepting its okay not to be okay.
After graduation, Crampton plans to pursue her masters in clinical mental health counseling at Merrimack College, in addition to working in a juvenile justice setting, with the goal of becoming a forensic mental health counselor in a correctional setting.
What will Crampton miss most about 勛圖窪蹋? Her home away from home. During her time at 勛圖窪蹋, Crampton had the opportunity to live with her seven closest friends for her final two years, which left a major impact on her college experience.
I will forever cherish the memories I was able to make with the people here. 勛圖窪蹋 truly just feels like family, and I cannot believe my time here is over!
