For Nicole Bravo Perez, choosing the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was never really a difficult decision. Though she was born in New York, Chattanooga has always felt like home.
“I was born in Staten Island, and then we moved here,” Perez said. “Ever since I’ve fallen in love with Chattanooga. I never really wanted to leave.”
Her family relocated, drawn by the city’s energy and natural beauty. From a young age, Perez said she felt connected to downtown Chattanooga, where her parents often took her. As she grew older, UTC became a familiar and natural next step—one she saw many classmates from Notre Dame High School take before her.
“I kind of always knew that UTC was where my path led to,” she said.
Initially, Perez planned to pursue nursing, drawn to helping others and encouraged by UTC’s strong program.
Unexpected Opportunities
Once on campus, she was surprised by how quickly the university began to feel smaller—and how strong her relationships became.
“I always thought campus seemed like this big place,” Perez said. “But really, it’s just kind of like a small town… where you actually do gain that relationship and interaction with your professors.”
Those relationships proved instrumental in shaping her academic future, even beyond what she originally envisioned.
“They’ve even helped me up to now, encouraging me to apply for a master’s program,” she said. “Which was something I never really expected from UTC.”
She hadn’t considered graduate school until faculty encouragement changed her perspective.
“That was not even on my radar at all until this last semester,” Perez said.
Identity, Language and Motivation
Perez’s background deeply shaped her journey. Growing up in a Colombian household, she spoke only Spanish at home.
“I think in Spanish, and I have to process it in English,” she said. “It takes me a little bit longer to process my thoughts and get them all together.”
Though challenging at times, her bilingualism has become a strength.
“It’s been beneficial in many ways,” Perez said. “In job opportunities and just volunteering as well.”
Watching her parents navigate education and work across countries motivated her to push even harder.
“Seeing my parents work so hard has made me want to work twice as hard,” she said.
A Nonlinear Path to a New Passion
Her academic path, however, was anything but linear. While she entered college focused on nursing, her interests began to shift.
“I thought nursing was my full passion,” Perez said. “And then I found out that I’m not very good at anatomy.”
A friend encouraged her to explore Criminal Justice courses, igniting a new passion.
“I realized I was pretty good at this,” she said. “And I think I like this more than nursing.”
Ultimately, she made the decision to change her major, trusting that change was part of her journey.
Balancing that transition with a demanding schedule wasn’t easy. Over four years, Perez managed heavy course loads alongside a competitive internship and a long‑term student job in Alumni Affairs.
“I was taking almost 18 hours of classes,” she said. “I’ve been balancing an internship and a part‑time job with the alumni affairs department for the past four years.”
That experience shaped her professionalism and confidence.
“It developed an extra layer of professionalism,” Perez said. “You also have to know how to manage confidentiality.”
She credits her coworkers with helping her grow personally.
“When I first started at UTC, I was very shy and timid,” she said. “Now I’m upfront, talking to students about events and projecting my voice.”
Academically, Perez found powerful alignment between classroom learning and real‑world application during her internship with the Chattanooga Police Department Crime Scene Unit.
“That was kind of my ‘aha’ moment,” she said. “I was like, ‘Oh, I know what they’re talking about because I’ve actually done it.’”
Looking back, several moments stand out as milestones—among them, securing her alumni position and a competitive internship.
Preparing to Serve Through Justice and Empathy
As graduation approaches, Nicole plans to continue her education at UTC in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program. Additionally, she has accepted the position as a Police Property Technician for the Chattanooga Police Department. Her long‑term goal is clear.
“I plan to be a crime scene investigator,” she said, ideally serving the Chattanooga community she has long called home.
“I want to provide justice for families,” Perez said, “that might not get as much light shone on them.”
She approaches that goal with empathy and purpose.
“You’re seeing people at a very vulnerable moment,” she said. “Just being able to give them empathy and closure helps.”
When reflecting on what students should know, Perez emphasizes intention and flexibility.
“The plan can change, and it’s okay to accept it and embrace it,” she said.
And above all, participation.
“Just go to things,” Perez said. “Go to things that are offered.”
As she prepares to leave UTC, Perez reflects on what she built along the way.
“I’ve realized that I have a whole village here,” she said. “I’ve built another family—my campus family.”