When he's not out patrolling College Hill, Brown University Public Safety Officer Leonard "Lenny" Ballesteros can be found taking notes in class. As an enrolled student in HIST 1501: The American Revolution, Ballesteros has learned how to successfully balance his role as an officer and dedicated pupil.
History Department: So, Lenny — it’s nice to meet you! How did you first hear about (or connect with) the history department at Brown?
Lenny Ballesteros: When I first applied to be a Public Safety Officer, I knew Brown had a reputable history department and made a point to introduce myself to faculty there. Everyone has been great. When I first met a professor in the department, I was reading the last book in Taylor Branch’s trilogy: America in the King Years. I told him I loved history and expected to get a "that’s nice" response. Professors have better things to do than talk to public safety officers! His response blew me away — asking what type of history I was interested in. I nervously mentioned quite a few areas and immediately felt at home here.
History Department: What enticed you to take a history course "for fun?" Was this something you had always wanted to do?
Lenny Ballesteros: Taking a history course was always something I'd wanted to do and had been invited by the professors in the past to sit in on their classes. I never thought to do it until I asked my boss and was encouraged to explore the idea, as well as encouraging others to take advantage of this kind of opportunity. I was doing a building check in Sharpe House when I met Seth Rockman and mentioned my love of history. At that time I happened to be reading about 19th century U.S. history, not knowing he taught it. Seth invited me to attend his class and here I am today. It is such an honor to sit in class and hear great lectures and participate! I was actually a subpar student in high school and never applied myself until I found an interest in Criminal Justice. I ended up pursuing a degree from New Jersey City University in 1999. That was the last time I had written a paper or wrote in the blue book.
History Department: As a Brown University Public Safety Officer, how did you approach your superiors about enrolling in HIST 1501: The American Revolution?
Lenny Ballesteros: I used our chain of command by asking my Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Colonel. All of them were thrilled to hear that I was interested in furthering my education. They wish more people took advantage of the benefits here at Brown.
History Department: Do you find it difficult to juggle your position as a Public Safety Officer and active role as a student? What do you find most challenging about the balance?
Lenny Ballesteros: Actually no, because I know my job comes first and class comes second. I try to do all the readings on the syllabus. U.S. history is one of my passions and I love learning more about it. The challenge was keeping up with the syllabus. I have a newfound respect for college students using the Canvass app, reading, and writing papers. I am attending one class and they are taking more. Sometimes I miss classes due to my responsibilities as an officer, which I feel bad about. But, I always remember to email Professor Rockman and he understands.
History Department: It’s one thing to sit in on a class, but deciding to write each paper and take tests is admirable! What made you decide to go "all in?"
Lenny Ballesteros: I have been reading history books for a long time and always challenged myself to read the longest and most in-depth ones. I was curious to see if I could still do it — writing papers and taking exams as I used to in college.
History Department: We've heard you enjoy reading academic scholarship for fun. Is there a specific topic or time period that you find most interesting?
Lenny Ballesteros: Currently I am reading books by James T. Patterson and Gordon S. Wood. My goal is to read the Oxford History of the United States book series, which I'm about halfway through. In terms of specific topics or time period: I have been tracing my family history from Spain. My last name means "crossbowmen" in Spanish. My ancestors may have been in the Crusades on my paternal side, so I began reading about it and couldn’t stop. Ancestors on my maternal side include a drummer in the War of 1812. The Crusades and U.S. History are my main interests. I should also note that I was a weatherman in the Navy, which got me hooked on science books. I read Astro and Theoretical physics books to stretch my mind further and learn critical thinking. Brown is such a great place to work and learn about subjects that interest me.
History Department: If you could give one piece of advice to another staff member at Brown who is considering taking an academic course, what would it be?
Lenny Ballesteros: Find your passion and learn about it as much as you can. It’s endless learning here for me and I am so very grateful for the opportunity to work and learn every day. I watched the April 8th eclipse on the Main Green standing next to NASA scientists! How lucky am I? Don’t be afraid to participate in class too, as the students actually enjoy seeing you there.