1 week Ago By Maya Giron
The Minnesota Law Enforcement Explorer Association held their 50th State Conference from Thursday, April 24, to Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester. Youth, aged 14-21, interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement engaged in academic sessions, practical exercises, competitive events and more over the three day long conference. ADVERTISEMENT John Marshall freshman Sophia Guajardo, a first year explorer, notes that the program has helped her with personal growth.
"I love it. It really brought me out of my shell," said Guajardo. "I was really quiet at first but now [I] love talking.
" Rochester Police Department Officer and advisor Matt Venteicher hopes the program can help youth place a foot in the door to a career in law enforcement and to understand what that entails. "A lot of them are able to have more confidence in their day to day lives," says Venteicher. "They've been thrown in some situations that they were unsure of what was gonna be the outcome.
..Just growing as a human being, growing as a person is really the most rewarding part of it.
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