On Tuesday, November 30, 2010 Darren Sanders, Director of Security for the Baltimore Ravens, visited the Security trade to speak to students about life, their future, how to stay focused and how to be successful.

Sanders, 44,  joined the Baltimore City Police Department at the age of 21. A Baltimore native, Sanders admits it was difficult patrolling the streets of Baltimore City where he grew up and having to change his lifestyle and those he hung out with and once called friends.
“You have to be able to let go of your friends that you know will keep you down,” he said. “I learned that because my profession was at stake.”

He told Woodstock Security students that “at some point you have to decide when you are going to grow up.”

“I’d rather keep it right than keep it real,” said Sanders. “Because that’s positive and going to get me somewhere.”

He believes there are three words to understand life: comfortable, isolate and goals. “Don’t get too comfortable; elevate your mindset, thinking and philosophy,” he said. “Stay away from things that will keep you down and don’t be afraid to overachieve.”

In his tenth year as Director of Security for the Baltimore Ravens, Sanders emphasized to Woodstock students the importance of making the most of their time at Job Corps and in training.

“Don’t waste your resources,” he said. “This is such a viable source you all have here at Job Corps— use it.”

He reminded students of how important image is, to market themselves and get involved in their life and never settle for less.

“Anything that comes easy doesn’t last long anyway,” said Sanders.