Staff Spotlight: Esmeralda Jean-Baptiste
Jacia Ulmer - February 3, 2023
Esmerelda Jean-Baptiste is our co-director of public safety and a student in Rosemont’s
professional studies criminal justice program. She first stepped onto Rosemont's campus
as a high school student in 1996. Learn more about what brought Esmeralda back to
Rosemont after serving in the military, and what it's like to be a member of Rosemont's
staff.
Q: Where are you from?
I’m from Haiti, and I moved to the United States when I was seven years old. I currently live in South Philadelphia.
Q: What led you to Rosemont?
It’s been a long journey. I initially learned of Rosemont when I was in a program here called “Summer Success,” and they gathered girls from different high schools in the area who had a high GPA, let us live on campus for a month, and take classes that were transferable credits. I did that from 9th-12th grade. But instead of college after high school, I joined the military. Later I went to Job Corps and had several jobs. I got an associate degree in criminal justice at one of the online career schools and then saw Rosemont had an opening for a public safety officer, and I joined in 2008. I was here from 2008-2013, left, then came back in 2016. I was promoted to co-director in November 2021.
Q: How was the transition from an officer to co-director?
I’m more involved in everyday things, whereas officers are doing more rounds and patrolling, and listening to students. I have a lot of meetings. I’m on two boards and a committee, and I’m now managing 13 other people, whereas as an officer, I’m only responsible for myself. I’m more involved in the processes of planning and giving input on students and safety concerns.
Q: What is something that makes you proud about the public safety department?
I believe we do well at maintaining a presence on campus and engaging with students. I tell my officers that customer service and community engagement is best because students will trust you if you talk to them on a regular basis, not just when there is an incident.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about working at Rosemont?
I enjoy that it’s a small campus and you get to see the same people every day. It’s easy to get around and communicate with the community. We also have a diverse campus, which I really like.
Q: Can you expand on your experience in the military?
I was in the Marine Corps for four years, and I joined straight out of high school. I was stationed in Camp Pendleton, California. I was a part of the 1st Transportation Battalion Unit, and I was in charge of sending Marines on deployment. People would dread coming to see me sometimes, and the two places they didn’t want to go were Alaska and Twentynine Palms, a small desert area in California that can reach 130 degrees. I also worked close to the Grunts (people who go to war) and would work with them in the armory. It was a good experience, and it taught me how to work with people from different backgrounds. I still have friends there and being in the military builds teamwork. Our motto is “No Man Left Behind” and there’s no “I” aspect, it’s always “we.” We would all help make sure everyone was advancing together, and if someone was deficient in an area, we made sure they got the help they needed. There were 40 women in my platoon, and everything had to be done as a unit. The Marine Corps taught me discipline and patience.
Q: Some staff decide to enroll in classes, are you currently taking any?
I’m studying for a BS in criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security. My spring classes are sociology of law and violence, and cybercrime, in the seven-week accelerated courses.
Q: What advice would you give to students about safety?
I always tell them to be aware of their surroundings. Don’t share any keys or room codes because you can be friends with someone now, but that friendship changes later. Don’t share sensitive information or participate in things you wouldn’t want people to find out about. Remember to be respectful and focus on your education. If you have any conflict, don’t wait until the last minute to speak up or be afraid to speak up because of what others might say. You have to conduct yourself as an adult who will be in the real world who will have to handle their problems, so conduct yourself as an adult and be mindful of your actions.
Q: Outside of Rosemont, what can you tell me about your life and the things you enjoy?
I like to travel, and I’m a beach person. Summertime is my favorite time of year, and anywhere that has a beach, I’m there. I watch a lot of Jeopardy and National Geographic. I like listening to R&B. I’m naturally an introvert, so I make sure I practice talking to people and engaging with others.