Cameron Deacon

Cameron is currently working for the US Department of Justice an after graduating from Stirling with an BA (Hons) Criminology and Sociology.

I am fascinated by what society deems criminal

I always wanted to study criminology because I always wanted to help people and I had a fascination with what a society deems as criminal or unlawful. I want to help those who are the most vulnerable and see how I could better reform the US criminal justice system to meet modern needs and values.

Why I chose Stirling

It was one of the the top schools in the UK to study criminology and was also one of the top schools for international students. There was no shortage of ways to meet people and I could see the uni had so many sports teams and societies where I could make friends. I loved that everything was in one campus, it made the move to a new country a lot easier. It helped that the campus itself is beautiful and has its own castle.

I had the absolute best time at Stirling

I loved how beautiful and accessible the campus was and how friendly everyone was. My highlights were the sporting community and friends I made through sport. I was on the lacrosse team and that opened up so many doors for me to meet people, volunteer with the sports union, and fundraise for special causes such as Movember.

I loved that the city center was walkable and affordable

I lived in the city center and it was always easy to meet up with friends to study, grab a pint, or take a lovely walk around Kings Park or up to the castle.

My advice for students coming to Stirling

Do your research! There are an overwhelming amount of opportunities at Stirling, both academically and socially. Having an idea of what you want to get out of your time at uni will make everything a lot less scary, and make more sense.

My top tip to international students coming to Stirling? Jump in

It is always hard moving away from friends and family but everyone is in that position when they first get to uni. I was lucky to be able to make some great friends right off the bat by putting myself out there, utilising hall chats and groups and not turning down any opportunity to meet people.

Jump in! There is so much to offer but you will only get the best experience if you are open to new people, opportunities, and experiences. Everything is right in front of you, you just have to say yes.

My favourite memories at Stirling

The first day I arrived on campus, I was so excited for a fresh start and it was super sunny. Everyone had always made jokes about Scotland being rainy all the time, but it was the most beautiful day and it was the perfect warm welcome.

When SUWLC won their game against Aberdeen at home in 2019. It was our final game, and if we won it meant we would move up to the top BUCS league. We had so many people show up to support us and all rushed the field at the end of the game to celebrate.

When I was one of the Movember Ambassadors, we raised the highest amount in Stirling Uni history. It was even more special as we pulled out all the stops to raise money during Covid-19. It was so amazing to see how teams got creative and the traction we were able to get on social media.

Being invited back to the uni in 2022, to walk across the graduation stage after not having our graduation ball, sports ball, or graduation in 2021 because of Covid-19. It was so important to me to have that act of walking across the stage to my chapter at uni.

Once you graduate, stay in touch with friends

Once you graduate, you will see your friends move away to new and far places. Make sure you stay in touch with them, they are the most valuable thing you will get out of your time at uni.

I’m proud of my work to stop child exploitation

After graduating, I attended the American University in Washington DC and graduated with a Masters in Public Police focusing on criminal justice. I am most proud of the work I do on a daily basis working for the United States Department of Justice's Criminal Division in the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS). CEOS serves a unique and critical function in the enforcement of the nation’s laws protecting children from sexual exploitation.

At Stirling, I enhanced my skills such as collaboration, leadership, public speaking, and communication, all of which I use currently in my job. It taught me how to work alongside people with different backgrounds and beliefs.

My involvement in sports at Stirling allowed me opportunities to succeed, but more importantly fail and learn how to get it right the next time.