Category: Sociology and Criminal Justice
Building a Future Through Leadership and Service
September 23, 2026 Written by Chiu-Yin Mak
Triple major Olivia Farro combines academics, ROTC experience and campus involvement to prepare for a career in law and public service
For Olivia Farro, a senior triple majoring in criminal justice, political science and sociology, the University of Delaware has provided an opportunity to prepare for a career in law while balancing a demanding academic schedule with military service and involvement in registered student organizations. Through these experiences, Farro has built the knowledge, leadership skills and perspective she hopes to carry into her future as a public defender and Delaware Army National Guard officer.
A Delaware native, Farro wanted a college experience that would allow her to remain close to her family and friends while also giving her the opportunity to meet new people and experience a new environment. It was important for her to stay in Delaware as she serves in the Delaware National Guard.
Farro came to UD initially as a criminal justice major, but her interests quickly expanded as she discovered connections between criminal justice, political science and sociology.
“I think it is important to learn as much as you can while you have the opportunity to study in college,” Farro said. “I want to prepare myself in all aspects of the field I want to pursue as a career.”
Her academic interests are complemented by an equally active life outside the classroom. Farro is a cadet in UD’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program and serves as the vice president of communications for Kappa Alpha Pi, a pre-law and government fraternity. She recently joined UD’s Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as its social media chair and has participated in club swimming and intramural sports. This semester, she is also trying water polo.
“My favorite part of all of these activities and organizations is being able to meet new people, both similar and different from me in many aspects,” Farro said.
Path to a career
Farro’s interest in criminal justice began before she arrived at UD. While attending a technical high school, she earned several criminal justice-related certifications and developed an early interest in pursuing a legal career.
The introductory courses in political science and sociology Farro took at UD introduced her to topics she wanted to explore more deeply. She eventually added both as majors, seeing the opportunity to study across disciplines as a way to achieve her goal of becoming a lawyer.
One course that had a particularly lasting impact was Capital Punishment and the Law, taught by Kevin O’Connell, adjunct faculty of sociology and criminal justice. The course examined death penalty legislation across the country and the ways the laws surrounding capital punishment have changed. Farro was drawn not only to the subject matter but also to the course’s law-school-style structure and O’Connell’s experience working in the field.
O’Connell serves as the chief defender in the state’s Office of Defense Services, and has worked with the anti-capital punishment movement. Examples from his work gave Farro a perspective on criminal law that extended beyond the classroom. She found the class deeply inspiring, and later interned with O’Connell and served as his teaching assistant. Farro considers him an important mentor.
Combining classwork and military preparation
Alongside her academic work, Farro has embraced the challenges and opportunities of the University’s ROTC program. Her typical week includes three mornings of physical training beginning at 6:15 a.m., military science courses focused on military leadership and infantry tactics, and Thursday afternoon labs at White Clay. At times, she participates in weekend field training exercises where cadets apply leadership and tactical skills in simulated combat environments.
The experience has challenged Farro both physically and mentally, but the relationships she has developed through the program have made it especially meaningful.
“Despite the early mornings and late nights, the people around you make the difficult task easy. The community of people I have met through this program is my favorite part,” she said.
The leadership skills Farro has developed through ROTC have also extended beyond military training. Over the years, she has seen her leadership style develop and has gained confidence in her ability to take on challenges in different areas of her life.
Balancing three majors, ROTC, extracurricular activities and other responsibilities has not always been easy. Farro acknowledges that there have been times when her schedule felt overwhelming. One way she manages those demands is by keeping her long-term goals in sight.
“Being a triple major while also being in the military is not a path many people would choose for themselves,” Farro said. “But after four years of hard work, I remind myself that I will have a successful career that I was able to build for myself.”
