2018 Laurel Ridge grad Brianna Sine is doing a job she loves right in her hometown. This spring, she was sworn in as a police officer for Luray Police Department.
Officer Sine got a jump start on college thanks to Laurel Ridge’s dual-enrollment program, which enabled her to earn her associate degree at the same time as her graduation from Luray High School. Sine’s degree was in general studies with a specialization in administration of justice. She was presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Administration of Justice Award for the Fauquier Campus.
From there, Sine transferred to Regent University on a full academic and volleyball scholarship. In 2020, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in homeland security with a minor in psychology.
After working with the Hampton Police Department for a year, Sine is happy to be back working in her hometown.
“I love it,” she said. “It’s definitely a new experience. Every day, every single call, is different. I get to interact with the community a lot.”
Sine, who will serve as a liaison to a child advocacy center and a domestic violence organization, hopes to eventually earn her doctoral degree and either work as a trauma therapist or a psychiatrist.
“I grew up always knowing that I wanted to serve the community and specifically, those who feel helpless themselves, or feel like they have no one else,” Sine said, adding she especially wants to help those experiencing mental illness or the effects of trauma.
Laurel Ridge’s dual-enrollment program enabled Sine to graduate two years earlier than the traditional college student’s path. Among her favorite Laurel Ridge professors were the late Laurie Alphonse, as well as husband-and-wife administration of justice professors Laurie and Edward Hoisington.
“I definitely loved it and the opportunity to obtain more knowledge,” she said. “I grew up in a small town. There wasn’t a lot of opportunity. Dual-enrollment classes allowed me to get a kick start in my career. I’m happy that I’ve had the opportunity in life to be able to get to where I am and be a role model, and I hope that I have an impact on my community.”
To learn more about the dual-enrollment program, visit laurelridge.edu/de.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.