HERstory ❤️

I was raised in a poverty stricken, low income, and high crime community in Southeast Louisiana. I am the second of 8 children and most of my adolescent years were dedicated to warming bottles, changing diapers, and cooking for my siblings, and cleaning the house. Society taught me to better than my parents for me, that was merely graduating high school. An accomplishment that no one in my family had attained. After only receiving a 16 on the ACT after 6 attempts. I enlisted in the Army to offset the cost of my tuition. After my freshman year I transferred to Louisiana State University where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Professional Leadership. I am a proud member Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. and two research organizations: Ronald E. McNair and LSU Undergraduate Distinguished Scholars which afforded me the opportunity to conduct research on The Career and College Readiness of African American Students in which I co-authored a chapter in the book and presented my research at local and  national conferences. I am now a commissioned officer in the United States Army proudly serving my country in Fort Bliss, Texas.

I shared this because I am often asked where did I grow up? What was your motivation?

The simple answer… I wanted more. I always believed that there was more to life so I took advantage of every opportunity that was presented to me and I thank God for the grace and mercy that enables me to keep going when the going gets tough…

Thanks for being on this journey of me sharing #MyStory and #MyArmyStory with you. This is one of my favorite photos…after serving 18 months in command of D FSC in the Oldest and most Decorated CAV Squadron in the #USArmy.

All my Love,

Ericka <3