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In fact, as a sophomore at �㽶��, Bagwell had her sights set on law school. But a pivotal internship with the City of Clinton’s police department altered her career path, leading her to a profession that she now calls her true calling.

“After that internship, I just couldn’t imagine doing anything else,” Bagwell recalled. “It was one of those moments where I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that God put that experience in my life because this was exactly what I was meant to do.”

Today, Bagwell serves as a police officer in Spartanburg County. Her journey from a political science major with plans for a legal career to a committed public servant on the front lines of law enforcement is a story she attributes to both her internship and the supportive environment at �㽶��.

Finding Her Path

Bagwell grew up in Spartanburg County, where she watched her father work as a first responder. Inspired by his career and dedication to serving others, Bagwell had always admired the public service sector. Still, she entered �㽶�� with the intention of pursuing law, until her internship experience reshaped her vision.

Her introduction to law enforcement came unexpectedly when she accepted an internship with the City of Clinton’s police department under former chief Sonny Ledda, despite feeling that it was outside her comfort zone. The experience proved to be transformative. Working long hours alongside Clinton’s officers, Bagwell quickly found herself immersed in the day-to-day realities of police work. For her, it wasn’t the adrenaline or the authority of the badge that resonated; it was the opportunity to serve others during some of their most difficult moments.

“Every day, I saw people who needed help, people going through tough situations,” Bagwell said. “To be able to respond to them, to try to make things a little better, even for a short time — that was something I found deeply rewarding.”

Upon completing the internship, she realized her career goals had shifted dramatically. The experience inspired her to minor in criminal justice, a field that �㽶�� was beginning to expand thanks to faculty support. With guidance from her advisor, political science professor and current interim provost Dr. Erin McAdams, Bagwell integrated criminal justice into her studies, setting herself up for a future in law enforcement.

“I think it would be wonderful if criminal justice could become a full major at �㽶�� someday,” Bagwell said. “The minor gave me the foundation I needed to take this path, and I know other students would benefit from that too.”

From Classroom to Patrol

Following her graduation, Bagwell returned to the City of Clinton, this time as a police officer. The city that had first introduced her to law enforcement would become the place where she honed her skills on the streets, developing a deep connection to her community. Bagwell credits the City of Clinton not only with igniting her passion but also with giving her the tools to build a career in the field. It was Clinton that sent her to the academy and helped her prepare for the challenges of police work.

However, life brought changes shortly after she started. Her family was in the process of adopting three young siblings, and Bagwell felt the need to be closer to home. Though the transition meant leaving her first official role as a Clinton officer, it was a decision that aligned with her values.

“Being close to my family during this time has been so important,” Bagwell said. “The City of Clinton will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m incredibly grateful to them for helping me discover this path. But the chance to be there for my family and serve my home county of Spartanburg felt right.”

�㽶��’s Impact and a Call to Serve

Looking back, Bagwell says her education at �㽶�� played a critical role in her development, particularly in how she connects with people. She highlights the liberal arts approach of �㽶��, where students are exposed to a wide array of perspectives and are encouraged to engage with diverse communities — skills she now relies on daily.

“Ninety percent of my job is about being able to talk to people and calm them down in the hardest situations,” she said. “�㽶��’s environment really prepared me for that. Just being around students from all backgrounds helped me become a better communicator, which is essential in law enforcement.”

Bagwell’s work aligns closely with the college’s motto, “While We Live, We Serve.” She sees her law enforcement career as an extension of this commitment to service. The foundation of helping others and seeking to make a positive impact has been woven into her life since her time at �㽶��, and it’s something she emphasizes when talking with prospective students.

“�㽶�� was more than just a place to get a degree; they really care about their students and want them to find their passion,” she said. “I would tell any new student not to be afraid to step out of their comfort zone. My internship may have been out of my comfort zone at first, but it turned out to be the most rewarding experience of my life. I’m doing what I love because �㽶�� encouraged me to take that leap.”

A Purpose-Driven Career

While Bagwell’s path may be unusual among �㽶�� graduates, she has no regrets. Her experience in the criminal justice field has only strengthened her commitment to her work, which she describes as challenging yet rewarding. She acknowledges the risks that come with her role but says she wouldn’t trade it for anything.

“As scary as my job can be some days, I truly wouldn’t do anything else,” Bagwell said. “There’s nothing like being able to help someone on their worst day and try to make things better, even just a little bit.”

Reflecting on the journey that brought her from a hesitant intern to a passionate public servant, Bagwell feels a deep sense of gratitude — both for �㽶�� and for the opportunity to serve her community.

“Not everyone gets a chance to find their true calling, and I feel so lucky that I did,” she said.