Forman Scholar Olivia Little Chooses a College Major that has been a Key Part of her Upbringing

New Forman Scholar Olivia Little will be following in the footsteps of a very important family member during her post-high-school journey.

Olivia’s grandfather has been a dedicated employee of the Salem County Police Department and the Prosecutor's Office, and his lifelong dedication to upholding the law is fueling Olivia’s own dream career path. Olivia intends to study criminology when she attends the University at Albany in Albany, New York, this fall and is excited to see what the next phase of life brings.

“I was always watching true crime cable shows and observing my grandfather’s life work at a young age,” said Olivia.  “Throughout my later teen life, I was certain this would be a career path for me.”

Often spending time as her grandfather’s “partner in crime,” Olivia always loves accompanying him during his days on the job, gaining real-world experience that she says set apart TV’s fictional criminal investigation scenarios from reality. While she may not be solving her own crimes yet, Olivia explains that she helps her grandfather with tasks like making sure defendants show up to court, but in a virtual manner, due to the pandemic. Olivia’s hands-on experience has made her realize that she hopes to one day work in criminal profiling within the F.B.I.

Besides being a modern-day Nancy Drew, Olivia has relished her experience at Salem High School and is a dedicated member of the school’s soccer and swim team. During her high school career, Olivia received various awards for her talent on the swim team, earning the Coaches Award and the Angela Hilliard Newcomer of the Year Award as a freshman. She is also a new member of Salem High’s chess club.

“My experience at Salem has been nothing but positive and supportive,” Olivia said. “Everyone around you wants the very best for your future!”

Olivia, born and raised in Salem, explains that her town and the people she’s met have prepared her to leave for college, and she will forever cherish the lessons she’s learned. She has felt a tremendous amount of support from her town and that, “It really is a unified community that will be kind to others and be a backbone for the people.”

Olivia is ready to embark on the next journey of her life and become more independent. She knows there will be trying times but is prepared to go on a self-explorative journey.

“I am most eager about seeing the person I evolve into,” Olivia said.

As she gets ready to head off to Albany and continue her educational career, Oliva says she has so much love and appreciation for her town and high school she’s leaving behind. As her parting piece of advice, she wants her former classmates to value the time they have left and to not sweat the small things in life.

“I want students to know not to stress too much and not to put so much pressure on yourself. Everything will work out the way it is supposed to,” Olivia said.