This experience was years in the making. Since she was in 7th grade, Alaina Herrbold has been working towards her goal of entering the professional world surrounding the FBI. After learning of the FBINAA Youth Leadership Program, a highly selective opportunity for 62 teens, ages 14 to 16, Herrbold knew this was an opportunity she could not pass up. The rigorous entrance process included writing an essay to answer a topic question and an interview. For the topic to write about, she chose social media and its role in teens’ lives. After that, she had a Zoom interview this summer. Upon finding out of her acceptance, she was “ecstatic.”
The whole experience was well rounded. Besides spending time in classrooms and group discussions, the group got to visit a mockup town to practice different field tactics and techniques. From breaking down doors, shooting practice, and simulative flash-bangs, the program was very active and engaging.
Regarding her time in Quantico, Virginia, Herrbold said the following, “Being able to create a family with the 62 other people with me in this academy was something I never thought would happen. However, I walked out of the academy with a sense of not only accomplishment, but admiration and love for those around me. Being able to see, firsthand, students at the academy going through their daily life inspired and allowed me to see what my future would be like. Seeing the communities grown through the academy was something I’ll never forget. Just being at the academy and seeing the atmosphere and being able to experience what my future could possibly hold was so exciting and genuinely a life changing experience.”
When asked about if the program was worth it, Herrbold said, “One hundred percent! Even if you don’t want to go through the FBI one day, it’s still an experience that is truly influential and it teaches you a lot about how to get through life and become a different person, the best possible version of yourself.”
