Mark's Story

NAME: Mark Schilthuis
HOMETOWN: Lancaster, PA
MAJOR: Criminal Justice

FAVORITE THING ABOUT SHIPPENSBURG:

My favorite thing about Shippensburg is its size. It’s big enough to walk around and see different faces yet at the same time come across friends throughout the day.

TWO INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT ME:

I have pirate ancestry, and I have a 25 lb. cat.

CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS/SPORTS/ACTIVITIES:

Criminal Justice Club, Intramural Volleyball, Club Tennis, Christian Fellowship, and Mock Trial team.

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:

I had an internship with the Chambersburg Police Department my junior year. This was a thrilling firsthand look at police work. I was assigned to a squad and was exposed to and engaged in police duties. A highlight during my internship was assisting the Special Emergency Response Team or SERT in their training and being familiarized with police weapons and tactics.

I also obtained an internship with Lancaster County Youth Intervention Center during the summer before my senior year. This is both a shelter and detention center for juveniles. I was able to observe juvenile court hearings and see how sentencing is made. I was exposed to the duties of a juvenile probation officer and his involvement with youth. I was also able to engage in the juveniles’ daily routines and instruct a physical fitness class. A highlight during the internship was being able to connect with and interact with the youth.

MOST MEANINGFUL LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT SHIP:

Being a part of the Mock Trial Team. Through Mock Trial I was able to apply what I had learned in classes to competing in the courtroom. We received a case and formulated positions for both the prosecution and defense. I played the role of a prosecuting and defense lawyer. Through my mock trial experience I was able to build public speaking skills, a healthy work ethic, good communication, and lifelong friendships.

COMMUNITY SERVICE/VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES:

Through FUSE I was able to engage in meaningful service trips. I took a spring break trip to Atlanta Georgia to serve at "Safe House Outreach" a homeless outreach center. I was exposed to true poverty and homelessness while serving those in need. I also went on winter break trip to Florida on a humanities service trip. We helped restore dilapidated homes of families in need.

WHAT I DO FOR FUN:

I love being with friends and meeting new people. I enjoy hiking, biking, and anything outdoors. I play the bass guitar and love music. I like exploring new cultures and trying new foods.