Some college students aspire to become doctors, lawyers and business executives. Like them, Wichita State student Andrew Michaud has found his calling.

Michaud is a senior this year, majoring in criminal justice with a minor in sociology. He is also the president of Mortar Board and a member of the Criminal Justice Student Association. Originally, he had planned on majoring in forensic anthropology, but the lack of related courses available in his previous college led him to criminal justice.

“I absolutely fell in love with criminal justice,” Michaud said. “I would definitely love to have a position on the federal level with either the National Security Agency or Homeland Security.”

Michaud said that the nation’s fear motivates him to become a part of national security in order to educate the public and clear up misconceptions about policies, such as the gun policy.

“My primary interest is domestic terrorism,” he said. “I feel the need to be the translator, if you will.”

Michaud graduated from Highland Community College in 2012 before transferring to WSU. He considers his first criminal justice professor at HCC, Melissa Stevens, to be a significant influence.

“She supported me every step of the way,” he said. “She told me that she saw me working for the federal government at a think-tank to help better secure our nation.”

In spite of his heavy academic workload, Michaud makes time for extracurricular activities. He enjoys watching movies, drawing, learning Spanish and hanging out with friends.

“I would describe him as responsible and reliable,” said his best friend, Alexy Clark. “He is intelligent, but doesn’t flaunt it.”

She said he can be serious and fun to be around.

Michaud’s future plans include getting one or two master’s degrees and entering the workforce. He said that he would like to start working at a state level and work his way up to a federal level.

For students still figuring out what they want to do with their lives, Michaud’s advice is simple.

“You don’t have to have a career in mind to have a major,” he said. “Look at what you like. Look at who you idolize. Examine what is most important to you.”