Help Me Become the Psychologist I Have Always Wanted to Be

Hi everyone,

My name is Erica, and I wanted to share a little about my journey and why I am asking for help as I prepare to start graduate school this fall. Getting to this point has taken a lot of hard work, and while I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had, I could really use some support in making this next step possible.

I was raised in Baltimore City by a single teen mom who worked hard to give me opportunities, even when things were not always easy. I attended Baltimore City Public Schools my entire life, and growing up in the city shaped so much of who I am and the work I hope to do in the future. I saw firsthand how much support, encouragement, and access to resources can change a child’s life, and it made me want to be someone who could make a difference.

I attended Bard High School Early College Baltimore, where I served as class president, was a student ambassador, a member of National Honor Society, played varsity volleyball and basketball, and graduated ranked first in my class. I always believed education could open doors, and I worked hard to make the most of every opportunity I had.

That hard work led me to Princeton University on a full scholarship, something that younger me honestly could not have imagined.

At Princeton, I stayed deeply involved in both leadership and service. I was part of organizations including the Generational African American Student Association, Princeton’s Association of Black Women, and Princeton Caribbean Connection, communities that meant so much to me as an African American woman with Cuban heritage. My identity, faith, and community have always been a huge part of who I am and what motivates me to give back.

I also served as a peer academic advisor for first-year students for two years, helping students adjust academically and personally to college life, and worked as a SHARE Peer, supporting students through sexual harassment and assault education and resources. I walked onto Princeton’s Division I rugby team my freshman year and later became the team’s DEI Chair, while also serving in student-athlete leadership roles focused on wellness, service, and advocacy.

Academically, I graduated with a degree in Psychology and triple minors in African American Studies, Cognitive Science, and Entrepreneurship. Along the way, I was honored to receive recognition for both academics and leadership, including being a two-time NIRA All-Academic Award recipient, the Princeton Campus Life Peer Leadership Award, the Martin A. Dale ’53 Summer Award, and finalist recognition for the Art Lane ’34 Award for service to sport and society.

One of the experiences I am most proud of was starting The Natural Hair Collective Co. during my sophomore year at Princeton. Through this nonprofit, I worked with Black youth in Baltimore City to help them embrace and care for their natural hair through workshops, education, and community programming. Watching young people build confidence and pride in who they are reminded me how much I care about supporting children and helping them feel seen and valued.

Before graduating, I also completed an 80+ page thesis on the impact of therapy dogs in higher education, inspired partly by my own rescue dog, Loki, who has been such an important source of comfort and support in my life.

This fall, I will be attending Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology as a first-year school psychology student. My goal is to work in high-needs schools, especially in communities like the one that raised me in Baltimore City, helping children who need support the most. I want to advocate for students, support their mental health and learning, and help make sure kids who may be struggling still feel capable, supported, and understood.

Unfortunately, graduate school comes with major financial challenges. While I have received scholarship support and financial aid, there is still a significant gap when it comes to tuition, housing, transportation, and living expenses during such an intensive program. Recent changes affecting graduate student funding have made things even more difficult.

Asking for help is not easy for me, but I care deeply about this dream and the impact I hope to make through this work.

If you decide to support me, please know that you are supporting much more than my education. You are investing in the future children and families I hope to serve throughout my career.

As a Christian, I truly believe God places purpose in our hearts and people in our lives for a reason. Whether you are able to donate, share this fundraiser, or simply keep me in your prayers, I am incredibly grateful for your support and encouragement as I take this next step.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and for believing in me.

With gratitude,

Erica