Tre Barrett-Little: Driving Change from Trucking to Criminal Justice

Tre Barrett-Little has personal interactions down to a science. He asks how your day is going, picks up on cues that others might overlook, listens intently, smiles warmly, and never interrupts. His interpersonal communication skills, which could have been confined to the cab of a cargo truck, will now serve him as he embarks on a career in criminal justice. Through Beaufort County Community College, Barrett-Little is transitioning from trucking to the field of security and criminal justice.

Reflecting on his time as a truck driver, Barrett-Little acknowledges the critical role of transporting goods in the economy. However, the work lacked personal fulfillment for him. “I want to be seen not just as someone behind the wheel, but as someone making a direct impact,” he explains. This realization inspired his decision to pursue a career centered on community safety and problem-solving.

Barrett-Little’s career shift was not just about leaving trucking behind; it was about aligning his work with his passion for helping others. “Being a truck driver is essential,” he says, “but I wanted something that allowed me to communicate and support people directly.”

His experience in trucking provides a unique perspective on his new path. He likens his ability to diagnose and repair issues as a truck driver to the problem-solving required in criminal justice. “In both roles, you identify issues and address them, whether it’s fixing a truck or helping someone navigate a challenge,” he says.

Trucking also honed Barrett-Little’s situational awareness, a skill he now applies daily. “As a truck driver, you’re trained to be aware of your surroundings. That’s something I carry into everything I do,” he notes. Whether checking his car’s surroundings or assessing potential risks in a workplace, this attentiveness ensures safety and success.

This situational awareness also makes him an exceptional listener. He speaks thoughtfully, never revealing too much, while staying fully present and attentive to the moment. It’s this quality that makes him deeply engaged with those around him.

Returning to college can be intimidating for some adults, but Barrett-Little thrives on campus. From the support of instructors like Crystal Watts to leadership opportunities as a student ambassador, he has found a community where he excels. “The diversity here is incredible,” he shares. “I’ve met people from all kinds of backgrounds, and it’s inspiring to learn from them.”

A standout moment in his college experience came from the mentorship and encouragement he received. He recalls a particularly impactful instance involving Dr. LaTonya Nixon, Vice President of Student Services. After delivering a speech in his ambassador role, her reassuring presence stood out. “When she stood up in the back of the room, it was like she was saying, ‘You’ve got this.’ That meant so much to me,” he says.

Barrett-Little also takes advantage of resources like the Men of Success program, which offers male students a space to share their experiences and challenges. “It’s a place where we can be honest about what we’re going through, both in school and in life,” he explains.

The personal attention and growth he has experienced at Beaufort County Community College will make it difficult to leave when it’s time to transfer. “I wish I could stay here to complete my bachelor’s and master’s degrees,” he admits. “The support and opportunities here are unmatched.”

As Barrett-Little looks to the future, his focus remains on making a meaningful impact. Whether through a career in security, leadership roles, or simply being present for his family and community, he is committed to solving problems behind the scenes so others can feel at ease.

He shares his mantra, rooted in situational awareness: “Every moment matters. Whether it’s helping someone, learning something new, or just spending time with loved ones, you can’t take anything for granted.”