STC instructor works hard to inspire female cadets
Jennifer Rosillo is one of the few female law enforcement instructors in the Rio Grande Valley and she calls South Texas College her home.
For Rosillo, there’s no difference when it comes to male and female police officers. It is her strong encouragement and dedication that has helped many cadets graduate from the South Texas College Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence (RCPSE) Police Academy.
“Sometimes I see that female cadets come into the program timid and I tell them, ‘You are no different than the men in this class. You both graduate and get the same license.’ Sometimes all they need is a little push,” said Rosillo.
Born and raised in McAllen, the 36-year-old former police officer has shown a passion for education and law enforcement since graduating from high school.
Rosillo serves an important role training the largest number of females she has seen in he academy to date. There are total of 10 women in the program.
“I really like to see females out there in uniform,” said Rosillo. “I’m not going to see them fail. I will help them in any way I can. They can do it. I like to give positive feedback to all my students, because in law enforcement you need that type of positivity, motivation and reinforcement, especially for the female officers.”
Her passion for teaching has been an important part of her life at STC these past four years since starting as a part-time instructor in 2019.
“STC has given me the opportunity to grow, because ultimately this is what I want. This was a great opportunity to prove myself,” said Rosillo. “I told myself I was going to do the best that I can, so I started shadowing other instructors to learn from them. That has made me a better instructor for my students.”
Before her instructor career, Rosillo was also a student in the college’s Police Academy and a graduate in 2013.
We’re very proud of her, she has taught several successful academies. She’s amazing, not only because of the great job she does but because she is one of the few female police instructors in the Valley. She brings with her a different perspective.
Rosillo has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and has earned a master’s degree in Administration of Justice and Security, she aspires to one day earn a doctorate degree in Organizational Leadership.
She also brings with her to STC, extensive years of service as a dispatcher with the Pharr Police Department and an officer with the Hidalgo County Constable’s Office Precinct 2.
“It hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to work different jobs, even at night to take care of my little sister and mom, but that didn’t stop me,” she said. “My family, especially my mom, has helped me to become the person I am today. I appreciate all of her sacrifices and it’s my turn to take care of her.”
Rosillo has also encountered many challenges in the field, which is male-dominated.
“It’s scary, yes, but you must have a certain personality and thick skin. I’ve gotten all the certifications I have been able to get and I’ve signed up for trainings that have helped me grow. All of this has always benefit me and the agency I’m with. I would even train and certify peers. Anything is possible.”
Robert Vela, STC RCPSE campus coordinator and law enforcement instructor, said he was one of Rosillo’s instructors and he is proud to see everything she continues to accomplish.
“We’re very proud of her, she has taught several successful academies. She’s amazing, not only because of the great job she does but because she is one of the few female police instructors in the Valley. She brings with her a different perspective,” said Vela.
Rosillo is thankful to STC for giving her the opportunity to share with her students the important lessons that law enforcement has taught her about partnership and community service.
“Every academy teaches me something different about myself, my students and the profession,” said Rosillo. “And after class or even on the weekends, I’m always here for my students. Law enforcement is changing, but it’s still about helping people and community policing. I want my students to understand that.”
For more information on training and programs offered at STC’s Regional Center for Public Safety Excellence, visit southtexascollege.edu/rcpse/ or call 956-872-4208.