“When I learned that I had received the New York Giants Touchdown Fellowship, I let out a long sigh of relief,” says Shania Roseborough ’22. “I knew that with this fellowship I’d be able to focus on my academic and professional achievements instead of worrying about how I’d pay for my senior year of college. I’ve been waiting for the chance to work on criminal justice reform and this fellowship gave me the opportunity to enter that field in a meaningful way as a community engagement intern at Midtown Community Court, one of the country’s first courts that provides alternatives to fines and jail for low-level crimes.”
“I knew that with this fellowship I’d be able to focus on my academic and professional achievements instead of worrying about how I’d pay for my senior year of college.” —Shania Roseborough
What do you want people to know about the New York Giants Touchdown Fellowship?
It’s an incredible opportunity. I get to network with other students; acquire knowledge and experience in a professional setting; and gain a deeper understanding of the criminal legal system in a unique and authentic way. Not only that, but as a football fan, I was ecstatic to be referred to as a New York Giants Fellow.
What has your experience been like working at Midtown Community Court?
The New York Giants’ generosity has enabled me to work with a fantastic staff at Midtown Community Court. One of my duties is to brainstorm different ways to further improve relationships with local communities and community-based organizations through events and initiatives. After listening to community members, I’ve been able to see that they have amazing ideas on how our system can be better. I’ve realized that people who have been involved with our criminal legal system have the ability and knowledge to critique what can be done better. Society needs to listen to them.
“As a Black woman, I'm committed to ensuring that people of color are fully accepted everywhere, and I want to make sure that Black people's stories and histories are told truthfully.” —Shania Roseborough
Where do you see yourself in the future?
As a Black woman, I’m committed to ensuring that people of color are fully accepted everywhere, and I want to make sure that Black people’s stories and histories are told truthfully. After working at Midtown Community Court, I know that in order to create a more unified society, and to build communities where everyone feels safe, secure, and respected, we have to have policies at the local, state, and national level that benefit all people.
