Paul Justin Gregory

Greetings and welcome to my page. My name is Paul Justin Gregory, though I am more commonly known as PJ. I was born and raised in the Philippines, and I relocated to the United States in 2010, where I proudly became a U.S. citizen in 2019. My academic journey began at St. Raphael Academy in the Philippines, before continuing in the United States, where I attended Northwest Rankin High School and later Pearl High School. I graduated with distinction from Pearl High School, a testament to my dedication to academic excellence and personal growth. Throughout my time at Pearl, I was extensively involved in extracurricular endeavors, demonstrating leadership and commitment. As a trumpet player in the Pearl Pirate Band from 2015 to 2022, I had the honor of serving as Drum Major from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, I contributed to the varsity tennis team as a doubles player, while maintaining active participation in Beta Club, Student Council, and Key Club. In 2022, I commenced my studies at Hinds Community College, where I pursued an interdisciplinary course of study in Criminal Justice and General Education. During my tenure at Hinds, I further honed my leadership skills as Assistant Drum Major, and later Head Drum Major, in the Hinds Community College Eagle Band. I was also a member of the Wind Ensemble. As a result of my academic diligence and commitment to excellence, I was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and graduated Cum Laude with an Associates Degree in General Education and Criminal Justice. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security and a minor in Religious Studies at the University of Mississippi. I am also actively engaged in the Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM), where I serve as an altar server and dedicate my time to assisting in the organization of liturgical services. In the summer of 2023, I had the privilege of interning with the Richland Police Department, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience in the field of law enforcement. During this internship, I observed various aspects of police work, from routine patrols to interacting with the community, all while learning about the practical applications of law enforcement procedures. I had the opportunity to assist officers in administrative tasks, shadow investigators, and participate in ride-alongs, which deepened my understanding of policing operations, community engagement, and the challenges faced by law enforcement professionals. This experience solidified my passion for pursuing a career in Homeland Security and law enforcement. In parallel with my academic pursuits, I have cultivated valuable professional experience at Panda Express, where I began my career in 2021. I initially served in both Front-of-House and Back-of-House capacities, specializing in Asian cuisine. I currently hold the position of Shift Lead, where I continue to refine my management and leadership skills. My intention is to remain with the company as I transition into my future career in law enforcement. Looking ahead, I am committed to pursuing a career in law enforcement, with a specific focus on Homeland Security. I plan to apply to local and state law enforcement agencies to gain invaluable field experience, ultimately working towards my goal of becoming a Homeland Security Investigator with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Outside of my academic and professional endeavors, I take great joy in serving as an organist at my home parish and school parish. I also enjoy spending time with friends, engaging in activities such as fishing, tennis, and pickleball, and exploring the diverse world of culinary experiences.