For new correctional officer Gloria Balderas, joining CDCR is a way to follow in her dad’s career footsteps.
When Balderas graduated the Basic Correctional Officer Academy Nov. 1 in Galt, she said her inspiration for joining the department was her own daughter.
Watch the video, story continues below:
“As a single mom, I want to build a future for her, for me. I want her to have the funds to go to college.”
Gloria Balderas, new correctional officer
Correctional officer career is opportunity for single mom
“As a single mom, I want to build a future for her, for me. I want her to have the funds to go to college. Working for CDCR opened so many opportunities, not only for me, but for her,” she said. “I feel great, I feel accomplished. It’s been life changing. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve grown. I used to be really shy and quiet, so this has helped me come out of that comfort zone and grow as a person.”
Her father is Sgt. Cristobal Cabral, Jr., and he beamed with pride while pinning the badge on her uniform.
“I’m very proud,” he said. “I can help her on the way, on her road to success or her upward mobility (as) opportunities present themselves. I can coach her as she confronts difficult moments because I’ve already been there.”
Balderas said her dad has been an inspiring force in her life.
“My dad? Well, he’s an amazing man, to start off. And he was always working, coming in with his uniform or leaving with his uniform,” she recalls. “I would see how hard he would work and everything he has done to help maintain the family, to make sure we’re never missing anything. He’s just very inspiring to me. He’s one of my biggest motivations.”
Interested Correctional Officer applicants can apply online at JoinCDCR.com.
Video by Clarissa Resultan, TV specialist
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
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