A New Year Equates to a New Start for One Rutgers Student

                                           

By: Sean Griffin

Richard Hampson, or as his friends commonly refer to him as “RJ”, always wanted to pursue a dream job either as a renowned sports broadcaster or as a cop. 
 
Now, the current Rutgers sophomore is trying to parlay the two of them together in his studies as an undergrad.
 
“I decided to double major in criminal justice and journalism because I firmly believe that it is important for people to feel safe, and I always aspired to be a sports broadcaster or writer for ESPN, CBS, or Fox”, said an enthusiastic Hampson.
 
In order to further explore the diverse options available in both the journalism and criminal justice professions, Hampson expressed a goal of his for this year as a sophomore includes getting involved and being more outgoing.
 
“Unfortunately, I did not get involved too much as a freshman, but I see this year as a new start-a fresh start. I am looking forward to getting involved with the radio station (WRSU FM) and the CJO (Criminal Justice Organization)”. 


The Criminal Justice Organization is a fairly new organization on campus that is open to those who hold aspirations to pursue a career in law enforcement. The organization features guest speakers currently in the field who talk about their experiences. WRSU FM is the official student radio station on campus, and undergraduates involved receive both on-air and production experience in a variety of fields including news, sports, music, and entertainment.
 

Both sports and a strong interest in the law were cultivated at a young age for Hampson. Hampson grew up in a quaint town of Pequannock, New Jersey, with a population of around 10,000 people. The eldest of two children, sports became part of his life around the age of seven, when Hampson first picked up a baseball, and also began closely following the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League with his father.

Hampson recalls playing the boyhood game of cops and robbers game with his friends in the backyard, and would often portray the role of the cop. It was the idea of “justice done right” that fascinated and further fueled Hampson’s interest of becoming a cop.


“I have a tremendous amount of respect for those who wear the uniform proudly and who go about their job the right way”, Hampson said.


He also points out that one of his friend’s dad is a police officer. With all that has occurred recently in the news regarding the police, Hampson expressed his frustration, saying, “There are a good number of officers who are doing their job and who are not receiving any credit”.


But ultimately what inspires Hampson most about his new outlook for this year is his strong family relationship and support he receives from back home.


“I truly admire how hard both of my parents work to be entitled to the things they receive”, Hampson said. “Their attitudes inspire me to go after what I want and I will work as hard as I can to hopefully achieve my goals of becoming a sports journalist or a police officer”.  


Photo: Rich Hampson in front of the College Avenue Gym at Rutgers University