Whether it’s finding a passion through the arts or law, students are constantly stepping out of their comfort zone to envision diverse opportunities inside and outside of high school. Wilmers Anaya and Emily Estevez are among the many students at Pembroke Pines Charter High School who work together to help the community while developing a passion.

Wilmers Anaya’s pursuit of justice: His time at the Police Explorer program

Out of the many careers out there, few can claim to be the reason society doesn’t fall into chaos, law and order is upheld, and communities are kept safe. While it’s the job of a police officer to keep the community safe, body camera footage has revealed a stark reality: it’s often a tiring and demanding job that requires officers to put their lives on the line. Yet for Pembroke Pines Charter High School (PPCHS) senior Wilmers Anaya, this has been his dream since he was a kid. 

 “I wanna help people with any and every issue they have,” stated Anaya. “Most importantly, I [want to] protect my community, my family, and my friends from dangerous…criminals.” 

As Anaya grew older, he began to delve deeper and deeper into the world of law enforcement. Eventually, Anaya joined the Pembroke Pines Police Explorer program. The program takes place every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., following Broward College’s police academy curriculum, teaching skills necessary to become a police officer. The program teaches him everything from radio comms to traffic stops to crime scenes. 

“[When I] joined the program, my liking for it [grew] even more than before,” he says. 

Anaya’s plan to join the Pembroke Pines police department as a Police Community Service Aide after high school. A Community Service Aid responds to non-violent calls, such as those involving stolen or missing property. They also conduct parking enforcement and investigate traffic accidents. “The position is open to 18 year olds,” stated Anaya. “It’s a great starting point to become an LEO (law enforcement officer).” 

While working as a Community Service Aid, Anaya will attend college for two years, paid for by the police department. After his two years, he will become a deputy sheriff with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. His goal is to work in the VIPER team and serve as a detective for the gangs and narcotics unit. 

“I want people to know that they will have someone [who] will protect them and look out for them at all times, no matter how big or small the problem is,” states Anaya.

Emily Estevez’s journey to better her community

Senior Wilmers Anaya isn’t the only one who has a passion for helping the community and law enforcement. His girlfriend, Junior Emily Estevez, has been a part of the Police Explorers program for three years, with the only thing coming close to her love of the program is her passion for cheerleading. 

“I’ve been cheering for our school since my freshman year,” states Estevez. “ Being a cheerleader has helped me get out of my comfort zone more than I was before, and I’ve made some of my closest friends from it!” 

Estevez pushes herself in other ways, including volunteering at her local church, food pantries, and Flamingo Gardens. Perhaps her biggest contribution, however, is her non-profit organization, called “Alzheimer’s is Ruff”, which she started in honor of her great-grandmother. 

“Through research, we found that stuffed animals give Alzheimer patients a sense of peace and tranquility, stated Estevez. “So, my cousins and I collect stuffed plushies of dogs and deliver them to patients in memory care facilities in hopes of bringing a sense of peace into their lives.” 

On top of this, Estevez is a sergeant in the Police Explorers program, something she doesn’t let Anaya forget easily. Since she was a child, whenever people would ask what she wanted to be when she grew up, she always had one response: “FBI agent.” 

Her passion for law enforcement at a young age led her mom to sign her up for the police explorers program the summer of her freshman year. What was supposed to be a fun summer activity instead stoked a fire inside Estevez. 

“[My mom] took me thinking it would be something nice to do in the summer and I’d stop once school starts,” stated Estevez. “Boy, was she wrong. I stayed from that day till now, and I have no plans on leaving anytime soon.” 

Looking back on the years, Estevez is grateful for the many friends and memories she has shared with the Police Explorers throughout the years, and that she was able to share them with Anaya.

“Being able to go out and help my community and help those who need it is the most rewarding thing ever. Nothing can top it.”

Today, Estevez and Anaya still participate in the Police Explorers program together. They serve as a real-life example that pursuing your dreams can take you to unexpected places. All it takes is that first step out of your comfort zone.