Featured Alumni – Officer Ayyat Zeidan

Why did you choose this line of work?

Back in 2015 when I first enrolled in ECU, I knew my undergraduate was going to be Criminal Justice, but as I began getting closer in finalizing my degree, figuring out what to do after graduation was the next challenge. Growing up, I’ve always had a niche for wanting to help people. At first, my mindset was law school and pursuing a law degree, thinking this path will satisfy my career goals. Nevertheless, I realized one day while sitting in court that this was actually not the profession I wanted to do. Sitting in that courtroom not only was an eye opener, but provided the understanding that I wanted my career to include a profession where assistance was provided hands on. By completing an internship with a police department, I experienced firsthand interactions with the public and visually saw Officers providing aid to those in need, which was the answer to my long term niche. These encounters were what made me fall in love with Law Enforcement and pursue this career as it satisfied what I was searching for.

Favorite ECU and/or Criminal Justice memory

Choosing one memory to be my favorite would be impossible as there were so many throughout my years at ECU. From the football games to the group study sessions, I enjoyed them all. The Criminal Justice Program provided opportunities to explore and understand my field which helped put myself in the position where I am today in my career.

How has a degree in Criminal Justice from ECU benefited you in your career?

Obtaining my degree from ECU has helped my career in numerous ways. All of the classes offered in the program each have given and taught different perspectives of criminal justice that I use on a daily basis. Just to name a few, investigations, interrogations, basic law, forensics, and many others have provided significant information to use while on the job.

What advice do you have for current students?

Some advice I would give to current students would be about change. Whether your college plan has already been made or you’re stuck deciding what major is right for you just understand whatever’s meant to be will be. There’s no need to worry about the future as we shouldn’t stress over things we cannot control and to slow down and enjoy the moments before they slip away.

Any other information/testimonial/aspect of your story you’d like to provide

https://www.witn.com/2021/04/22/greenville-officer-awarded-after-saving-suicidal-person/

The call for service that occurred that night will be one that I will never forget. At first it was just like any other call we were used to, however unexpectedly took a drastic turn. What felt like hours into our conversation, but in actuality was no more than forty-five minutes, the victim agreed and stepped down from the ledge, giving myself and everyone else a sigh of relief. I am very thankful to have been working that night and been in the position where the victim and I built a rapport, prior to the incident, as he stated he would only speak to me. Occurrences like these are what drive me to be the best Officer I could possibly be and use my skills to provide assistance to those in need. Whether the call for service could be either a simple noise compliant or being enroute to help a subject who’s having a mental episode, being there and making a difference in someone’s life is truly rewarding.