FBI agent Angela Mennitt spoke to about 100 Hillcrest High students as part of the school’s “Meet the Pro” series, aimed at connecting classroom learning with real-world careers. She discussed how agents uncover crimes such as money laundering, Ponzi schemes and scams through financial records.

Mennitt also shared advice for life success.

“One, don’t do anything today that will adversely affect your 40-year-old self,” she said. “Don’t get in trouble criminally or anything that will hurt yourself in the future and take away opportunities from you.”

She continued: “Two, instill a sense of pride and duty in everything you do. Always do your best, even the little things. Everything you do, there’s people watching you. You would never know when that person might be a referral in the future. Three, don’t wait for life to happen. Take charge of your life and be accountable for your decisions. Put your goals in place with a path and follow it.”

 Mennitt urged students to stay honest.

“Don’t get in the habit of lying even about dumb things, because then it becomes normalized to you and then you can start lying about big things. Just be honest and surround yourself with ethical people,” she said. 

She concluded: “Five, act with integrity and good intentions. Be kind to other people; if you adopt that approach for yourself, people will be proud to know you. And last, competence builds confidence. Get good at something that has value in the world. Maybe it’s something you’re reasonably good at now or maybe it’s a passion but be willing to get great at it to make your way.” 

Juniors Grady Court, Jacob Gallman and Alice Stephens asked Mennitt questions afterward.

“I wanted to learn the insights of a FBI agent,” Court said. “She gave good insight on what to look for when choosing a career.”

Stephens was intrigued by Ponzi schemes.

“I learned about the Ponzi schemes; she explained how they basically pay their previous customers through getting new people,” Stephens said.

Gallman relearned a lesson he first heard as a boy—stranger danger.

“It took on a different meaning when she talked about online dating scams; if you haven’t met someone in person, don’t give personal information out,” he said. “She also talked about being confident in yourself and not to look for gratification from other people. It’s a good message.” λ