Through the Early College and Promise Year programs, Erika LaraContreras has received the encouragement and support to push herself to new academic heights. As a Lynn English student, Erika took advantage of Early College to earn free college credits while gaining exposure to higher education material. During her Promise Year, Erika got to know Salem State’s courses, campus and opportunities with support from Promise Year mentoring and support.
“Suzy [Promise Year coordinator Suzanne Yakes] is so awesome and communicative, she truly wants to benefit us. She makes sure we’re keeping up to date with events at school and makes us feel supported academically and mentally,” Erika noted. Having support in place helps make the often stressful transition to college life much smoother.
In addition to professional support, having a cohort of fellow Promise Year students helped Erika feel less alone on a large campus. “We were all together for our First Year Seminar… I still see them on campus and I love them,” she said.
This spring, Erika is taking a rigorous course load, including lab courses in biology and chemistry and advanced writing, as she explores career opportunities in health care. With support from Promise Year, she’s figured out how to create a day to day schedule that sets her up for success, including dedicated study time in the library and time for a meal break between classes. Should she need additional support for a class,, she’s already been introduced to the free resources on campus, like the Math Lab and the Writing Center.
Erika is so passionate about Early College and Promise Year, she volunteers her time as a Massachusetts Alliance for Early College fellow. Together with other students who have benefitted from Early College, Erika participates in advocacy campaigns to help expand these opportunities across the state.
When asked about advice she has for prospective Promise Year students, Erika doesn’t hesitate. “Just do it!”, she exclaimed, “there are so many benefits… I’m so glad that I pushed myself, because it has really helped me and my family.”