Karla Suárez

San José State University, Class of 2025- Major: Forensic Science
Paly, Class of 2024

Updated March 2025

Q: What was your experience at Paly like?

A: I mostly enjoyed my AVID class, which I felt prepared me for college. My favorite activity at Paly was Choir, I loved performing at the concerts, especially the Madrigal Feast. I was part of the after-school choral group, the Spectrum Singers, which was an all-girls choir. I really enjoyed my experience with the group.

Q: Which teachers or administrators were particularly helpful?

A: Mr. DJ Shelton, my AVID teacher, was super helpful and really funny. I always enjoyed his class. Ms. Crystal Laguna was an administrator who was there for me through a lot. She helped me navigate my course selection, introduced me to the RTE program, and encouraged me to apply.

Q: How did you decide which college to attend?

A: I wanted to attend a college close to home. Being close to my family is very important to me.

Q: How did you decide on your major?

A: I initially chose Civil Engineering, but in my first semester, I realized it wasn’t for me. I went through a self-discovery journey, and I realized my main interest is true crime. So, I ended up falling in love with and being very intrigued by the Forensic Science major.

Q: How has your college experience been so far, and what challenges have you faced?

A: My college experience has been wonderful. I met a lot of interesting people and made a lot of connections with my professors. I met my husband in our first year of college, and it’s been great. The main challenges I faced were in my first semester when I was in the process of switching my major. I felt unmotivated at times, but my current major has made me much happier.

Q: Who are your role models at the moment?

A: My role models have always been my parents. I look up to them a lot and look at the hard work they went through to give me the life I have today. I also look up to two of my Forensic professors, Dr. Jodie Warren & Dr. Shawna Bolton. They have done extensive research in our field. I love being in their classes.

Q: What is your goal for the future?

A: My goal for the future is to work at crime scenes collecting, processing, and preserving evidence. I want to be a crime scene technician or a crime scene investigator.

Q: Do you have any advice for younger students who may be unsure about what they want to do in college?

A: Don’t choose a major that will make you more money. Choose a major that will make you happier!

Q: How is your RTE mentor helping you during your college journey?

A: To be honest, I haven’t had that much contact with my mentor because I’m horrible at responding to messages. But he regularly checks up on my progress, which is very appreciated.