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antonio “I’m 21 and where I want to be.”Antonio Edwards developed an interest in criminal justice early in life. “I have a passion for standing upfor what’s right,” he said. As a senior in high school, he volunteered for an internship at the Miami-DadeCounty (Florida) Clerks Office, where he processed subpoenas and performed other clerical duties.Upon graduation, he joined the staff at the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office as a legal assistant. Hestudied criminal justice for a year at another college before becoming frustrated with large class sizes anda dull curriculum. Antonio then transferred to Brown Mackie College – Miami.“With a full-time job, I wanted the added convenience of evening classes,” Antonio said. “Concentratingon one subject at a time was not so much of a heavy burden.” The small class sizes were also appealingto Antonio. “We were encouraged to ask for help whenever we needed it. I was always able to getadditional support,” he said, with appreciation for easy access to professors and the dean.Antonio graduated in 2010 with an Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice, and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office promoted him to dual roles as a felony homicide trial coordinator andfelony traffic homicide trial coordinator. He works with the chief attorneys in two divisions and theirstaffs of three attorneys each. He also provides training and supervision for two secretaries.Antonio EdwardsBrown Mackie College – MiamiCriminal JusticeHe enjoys his daily contributions to the criminal justice system, with duties that include preparingsubpoenas, setting up appointments, working on grand jury packets, and serving as deputy clerkduring trials. He is also a Florida notary public, who administers the oath during trials. With strongcommunication skills, he serves as liaison between families of victims and prosecutors. “I never knowwhat will fall into my lap over the phone. It’s an emotional time for these families,” Antonio said.At 21 years of age, Antonio is the youngest person to work on homicide cases at this office. He has beeninvolved with several cases that were featured on the A&E television network’s 48 Hours. He is currentlystudying at American InterContinental University in Weston, Fla., and will graduate next year with aB.S. in Criminal Justice and a minor in Law Enforcement. “I’m 21 and where I want to be,” he said. ◄ryanRyan Leonard knew film and design were his future by thetime he was in high school. He selected The Art Institute ofPhiladelphia’s Visual Effects & Motion Graphics program for itsunique emphasis on combining technology, artistic design, andproblem solving. An internship at Shooters Post & Transfer,a busy post-production facility, gave Ryan an opportunity tohelp create commercials for clients and learn new software. Oneweek after his graduation in 2007 the company offered him afull-time position at DIVE, the company’s film division, wherehe worked on post-production for feature films including theaward-winning drama The Road and M. Night Shyamalan’s TheLast Airbender. Ryan has recently relocated to New York City towork on the hit HBO series Boardwalk Empire for visual effectsstudio Brainstorm Digital. ◄Ryan LeonardThe Art Institute of Philadelphia