When Ariel Montoya pictured herself as a grown-up, working at the New Mexico State Penitentiary as a corrections officer was never on her list. But when her brother talked endlessly about the job, she decided to take a leap of faith and give it a shot. Now she’s hoping to prove that she has what it takes to be a successful CO in season 2 of A&E’s gripping reality series, Behind Bars: Rookie Year.

Amongst the 20-year-old recruits, she’s certainly not the most conventional candidate. Despite her small stature, she’s determined to make her mark at the penitentiary and has a unique way of handling her new duties. While she struggles to get comfortable in her role, senior COs Andrew Cordova and Cohen Mangin are quick to notice and support her efforts.

But violence is a constant in the prison, and it’s not long before Ariel finds herself entangled in a dangerous gang war. Will she be able to keep her cool under pressure? With a little help from her fellow rookies, she’ll find out if she has what it takes to be a success.