2 minute read
Erika Hernandez
A woman with many roles, Erika Hernandez is a familiar face on campus. From treasurer of Student Government Association to Ranger Connection peer leader, this senior education major is known for her kindness and helpful spirit.
A native of Laverne, Okla., Hernandez had no plans to attend college, let alone Northwestern.
“My family didn’t save for me to go to college, so I thought it wouldn’t be a possibility, ” Hernandez said. “By the end of my senior year, I was enrolled in a vo-tech program after high school.
“One of my friends was so excited to come to Northwestern. I asked my mom if it was possible for me to attend. Because I had attended Ranger Preview, I was already enrolled and accepted. We worked out a payment plan which was possible because Northwestern is so affordable. "
Hernandez initially chose business as her major, but soon found her calling elsewhere.
“Since I decided so late to come to Northwestern, I didn’t have an educational plan in mind, ” Hernandez said. “I chose the business route because I figured I would have more job opportunities.
“Once I got to Alva, I started volunteering at the First Baptist Church in the children’s department every Wednesday. I realized that was my passion. I wanted to have a career helping and teaching children. I made the decision late in my junior year to switch to elementary education.
Hernandez is the youngest of four siblings, with a big age gap separating her from the rest.
“My three older siblings never graduated from high school, so I want to be an inspiration to my nieces and nephews that they can go to college too, " Hernandez said.
Coming from a Hispanic family, Hernandez wants to use her bilingualism to help children in her future teaching career.
“My sister speaks Spanish, so that was my nieces and nephew’s first language, ” Hernandez said. “When they started school, they struggled being taught in English. I want to help students who also struggle with that by using the skills I have. That’s why I think education is a great field for me to go into. ”
Hernandez holds the title of peer leader for Ranger Connection classes, a class designed for freshmen to learn more about Northwestern and Alva. She said she finds this title an honor.
With a passion for serving others, Hernandez shows her heart through her time and effort. Being so involved with campus life can be time-consuming, but Hernandez wouldn’t have it any other way.
