The Multicultural Awareness Skills and Knowledge chapel welcomed Metro Nashville police officer Cecilia Gomez to share about her journey to Nashville from her hometown in Argentina.
Gomez originally came to the United States with little knowledge of the culture and language. She had a rough childhood battling leukemia but overcame it, and during that time discovered the subject of human trafficking.
“Trafficking is now modern-day slavery,” Gomez said. “My passion is to help those victims and I will stay focused on that goal until I achieve it.”
Before Gomez could pursue her passion with finding justice for human trafficking, she began her career in Nashville cleaning houses.
“It was hard for me. I knew very little English and it felt like a different world,” she said.
Gomez said she had to overcome the obstacles that abound during the immigration process.
“I had to wait five years to go through the process, the beautiful immigration process, to become a citizen,” she said.
During this time, Gomez said she found her calling in the police department. Because she is bilingual, making the transition from a simple citizen to one of Nashville’s finest was needed for the community.
“Even though I do not like to run or to workout, I had to do it,” Gomez said. “I couldn’t just sit around and clean houses so I went to school and improved my English.”
Gomez currently works in the Madison area in East Tennessee as a police officer where she is helping the department hone in on increased crime and knock out human trafficking.
As for Lipscomb students, Gomez said she wants students to persevere and work hard for their future.
“The secret to reaching your goals is to stay focused,” she said.
Mask Chapel will feature stories similar to Gomez’ throughout the semester. Breakout chapels are held each Thursday at 10:55 a.m.