Get to Know Erin

Did you ever experience an “aha” moment when you discovered a career path that you would enjoy?

Not exactly. Growing up labeled as a “gifted” child generally puts you in the box of three careers: doctor, lawyer, or engineer. I always made A’s in my science and math courses, but I never particularly enjoyed them. My mother and father were always very supportive of me becoming a lawyer (what parent wouldn’t be, though?), and it just always seemed like the right fit for my interests.

What was it like deciding on a school or training program?

I had multiple soccer scholarships, but most were from private schools and would put me in thousands of dollars of student debt. Community college made the most sense. I would be paid to attend school and receive great transfer scholarships. Plus, I wasn’t too far from home, and Pearl River CC has an excellent athletics program.

What’s your favorite thing about where you are now in life?

A lot of work that I did throughout my two years at community college paid off. The rest of my undergraduate education will be debt-free, entirely from merit scholarships. I’m proud of myself for achieving that.

If you could go back and tell 17-year-old you anything about school and career, what would it be?

You don’t have to be perfect, and you shouldn’t do everything in life to prepare for the “future.” It’s okay to have fun, and it’s okay that you don’t have every aspect planned out for the rest of your life. College is for growth, and you’ll figure it out. Give yourself some grace and stop worrying about life five years from now.