Fresh start includes trying to become police officer

“A lot of stuff happened back in Arizona, so I came here to get a fresh start.

“My girlfriend and I were together for two years. Then things happened, we faded, and we broke up. But we continued staying together as best friends. It was pretty weird at first. Then we got into the routine of it.

“The hardest part was probably her moving on. She began dating someone else while we were living together. But I got used to it, and now we’re all good.

“A lot of other stuff happened, too. My grandma died. Some dogs killed my cats. So with all that I was like, you know, let’s just start fresh. My sister and her boyfriend were moving here. They invited me. So I packed my bags, and here I am.

“Right now I work at a grocery store. But eventually, I want to join the police department. I’ve always wanted to do that. I’ve always had a passion for taking criminals off the street. My dad did a lot of stuff to my mom when I was real young, like verbal and physical abuse. I know there are tons of guys out there like that, so I’d like to do something to help stop it.

“I tried out in Phoenix a couple years ago, but I couldn’t pass the physical test. They had you do push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and run a lap in a certain amount of time. The hardest part was the push-ups. I was supposed to do 21, but I got to 20 and couldn’t do the last one. It was pretty frustrating.

“I know I was a little out of shape, so I’m doing something about it. I go to the gym and come here to get my workout in. I eat right and drink lots of water. And I have a New Year’s resolution to not drink soda. I’m determined to get into the police academy. Whatever it takes.”

— Trevon Robinson