Erin’s Story

From Capitol Hill to College Dreams: A First-Gen Latina Journey

Growing up in Garland, Texas, in a family of Mexican immigrants, Erin learned early on the importance of hard work and education. Her mother encouraged her to pursue learning at every opportunity, her father instilled in her the power of persistence, and her younger brother inspired her to set an example. But the path wasn’t easy. As a first-generation, low-income student at Texas Tech University, Erin often navigated the challenges of being one of the few Latinas at a predominantly white institution. Late nights cleaning grease traps in the dining hall were followed by long hours in the library, studying for exams.

Despite the challenges, Erin didn’t let her circumstances hold her back. While pursuing her degree in Political Science, she interned for Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee from Harris County, where she drafted an immigration reform bill HR63: The GRACE Act. This experience allowed her to channel her personal experiences into meaningful change, advocating for families like her own.

After her time in Washington, D.C., Erin felt a strong pull to return home. While preparing for law school, she is committed to helping other first-gen, low-income students—particularly children of immigrants—navigate the path to college, just as she did. For Erin, it’s about giving back and showing that with determination and the right support, the challenges first-gen students face can be overcome.