Student Profile: Hali Gardner

SMC Senior Gains Practical Experience in Sheriff’s Office Internship

Kristen Drum, Contributing Writer

Hali Gardner has known since early in high school that she wanted to be a difference maker. Her face lights up as she recalls first learning about criminal justice and the high school research paper that cemented her love of the field.

Gardner is now a Spartanburg Methodist College senior majoring in criminal justice and history and working toward achieving her career goals. Her dream is to become an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

As part of the professional development program at SMC, she had to complete an internship for graduation and had the opportunity to choose one in an area that interested her. She considered corrections and probation and parole before finding a chance to intern for the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.

“I stumbled across the Sheriff’s Office and thought, ‘You know, this would be a really cool opportunity’,” Gardner said. “You have to start somewhere, and I may be starting at a local department after graduation. This will be very valuable information no matter where I start.”

Through her internship, Gardner has gained tremendous experience and knowledge about a career in law enforcement. She’s seen how the officers operate, not just in high-stakes situations but in day-to-day operations.

“It’s been interesting to put those pieces together and see the stuff you learn in class in real time. Some things you just can’t learn from a textbook,” she said.

The Camak Core professional development program bridges the gap between classroom instruction and practical application. The group of six classes helps students develop valuable skills needed to succeed in the workplace. As part of the Camak Core, the internship gives them a practical understanding of workplace demands and how to use the skills they’ve been learning.

Gardner frequently uses the communication and collaboration skills she’s developed in her Camak Core classes. In her time with the Sheriff’s Office, she’s observed how the officers communicate and work together, not only with each other but with different departments and judges, connecting what she has learned with real-life experiences.

Likewise, problem-solving has been a critical tool for her. Honing her skills through the internship is paying dividends elsewhere, as she can more effectively navigate the challenges that come with completing group projects and at her job as a fitness center manager.

“It’s a good learning experience to see what you like, what you don’t like, and also that professional element,” Gardner said. “This is what it’s going to be like when you get out in the real world.”

Although her dream is to be an FBI agent, she has been encouraged by the Sheriff’s Office to put in her application with them as well. She understands that many future federal agents start at the local level, and what better place to be than with the local Sheriff’s Office, a group she calls “a little family.”

Sgt. Anthony Soddu with the Sheriff’s Office has also been pleased with Gardner’s performance in her internship.

“I usually gauge someone’s success in the internship program based on how excited and eager they are to ride. Hali’s enthusiasm in this program has been very assuring,” Sgt. Soddu said. “In today’s world of policing, our greatest tool is our ability to communicate. Hali has shown this as one of her strong suits and will suit her well should she choose this line of work for a career.”

No matter where she lands after graduating, Gardner wants to be in the field handling cases, speaking with people, and dealing with situations. She said one of her professors, Dr. Taylor Brickley, has encouraged her to apply to several federal agencies upon graduating.

“He told me, ‘Shoot for the stars; sometimes college students get in right away, so take that shot, see what happens’,” Gardner said. “I think even if this doesn’t pan out, or someday I don’t enjoy the job anymore, I can apply the skills I’m learning in the Camak Core to other things in my life. Even as I go through school, I can apply these to other situations.”