Pathfinder: Erika Hernandez

Erika Hernandez

Erika with her friends, Tiara Williams ’17 (left) and Samantha Buczek ’17, at Noche de Cultura, a celebration of the many cultures of Latin America with live performances, games, and food sponsored by the Hispanic Society of Lafayette.

“Lafayette felt like home,” says Erika Hernandez. “Everyone was so welcoming and helpful.” Like Taaha Mohamedali ’11, assistant director of admissions, who visited Hernandez’s high school in Arlington, Texas, and helped arrange a campus visit for her. From that moment, she knew that Lafayette was the right path for her.
  • BEGINNINGS: A resident of Dallas, Texas, Hernandez graduated from Uplift Summit International Preparatory.
  • ACADEMIC FOCUS: Hernandez had always dreamed of becoming a pediatrician, then an internship with Citibank in her senior year introduced her to the world of business. Surprised to learn that business isn’t just about making money, she is intrigued by the humane aspects of the field. She plans to major in biology and pursue a minor in Healthcare and Society, blending her interests in science and business.
  • CLEARING PATHS: Hernandez joined her church youth group, Pathfinders, when she was 10 years old and eventually became a mentor and leader. The group encourages members in their relationship with God and builds leadership skills and discipline. They participate in precision marching competitions to help youth recognize the value of discipline. From being a teen leader-in-training, she worked up to the position of drillmaster, calling commands as leader during competitions, including one in which they reached finals.
  • ENGAGING THE WORLD: Hernandez has always been involved in clubs focused on helping others or improving the school environment. At Lafayette she has jumped right in, joining Engineers Without Borders and Hispanic Society of Lafayette. She plans to run for Student Government.
  • TRAIL MARKERS:
    • Book: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
    • Movie: This Means War
    • TV Show: How I Met Your Mother
    • Food: enchiladas
    • Song: “How He Loves” by David Crowder Band
    • Quote: “Everyone has flaws. Flaws make you human. It’s your humanity that makes you influential.” —Joshua Shipp
    • Last Word: “My graduating class was only 26 people. Coming to a college with a class size of more than 600 students gives me the opportunity to meet many new people with different opinions. Already, I have met many from all over the world.”