Growing up in a challenging environment, Erika faced hardship after her mother’s passing at a young age. Her father often struggled to put food on the table and worked long hours leaving Erika to care for the house and her siblings. Despite the difficulties, she excelled in high school, ranking among the top 10 students in her class. However, her father’s discouragement prevented her from pursuing higher education, leading her to seek a technical career. After facing setbacks in her pursuit of programming classes, she moved to Argentina to work and study culinary arts before relocating to the United States. In the U.S., Erika’s culinary skills provided her with job opportunities, but it was her experience as a mother that sparked her realization of the impact of a good teacher on a child’s education. Determined to break barriers and set an example for her children, she pursued English classes and applied to the Bridge to College Program at the Community Learning Center. With the goal of attending Bunker Hill Community College to obtain teaching certifications, Erika looks forward to proving to her children that anything is possible. She is determined to become a teacher and is confident in her ability to excel in her studies. With the support of a scholarship from First Literacy, Erika is ready to embark on a new chapter in her educational journey, driven by the belief that she can make a difference in the lives of her students and inspire others with her determination and dedication.