Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lina Haji. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Lina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How’s you first get into your field – what was your first job in this field?
At the age of 22 I took an undergraduate class in forensic psychology called “Psychology and the Law.” The professor came in and was a young, stunning, bombshell of a female who began discussing her experience working with serial killers, sex offenders, gang bangers and more offenders. I was hooked. I applied to a minimum security prison shortly after with no experience and only a bachelors degree. When I got to the prison for my interview, the director said: “If you really want this job, you will come back tomorrow at 10am and give an hour long lecture to 150 inmates about feelings and emotions.” I was terrified and had no idea what I was doing but I put together a presentation that night. The next day I walked into the prison gymnasium to 150 male inmates in orange jumpsuits seated in front of me. I was sweating and my knees were buckling. I sucked it up and started my lecture. To my surprise these grown hardened criminals were listening to me and even engaging in discussion. I knew this was my calling from that moment on.
FULL ARTICLE, HERE