February Alumni Spotlight: Erma Parrish (Wheaton High School)
Eight years after beginning the visa application process, Erma and her mom got the green light to immigrate from the Philippines. It had been 12 years since she last saw her dad. “Within two weeks I had to say goodbye and move.”
Adjusting to living in the US was a nonlinear path for Erma. “There was a period where I thought I was adjusting, but then it hit me that everything was different. I had to understand my identity through where I came from and how it compared to my current and future life. Since my husband joined the military, I have continued learning ways to embrace change and adapt to new environments, and it's no longer as intimidating.” Erma explained the key to embracing change is knowing which of your core values and interests are not dictated by time nor place, and she encouraged developing a growth mindset. “As humans, one of our greatest strengths is learning to be adaptable.”
Erma appreciated that Liberty’s Promise, through its program at Wheaton High School, provided her with professional development materials she didn’t know would be so helpful. “Initiating things is hard, especially at that age, and Liberty’s Promise helped me make professional connections, write resumes, and helped fill out scholarships and college applications. Their support closed that educational gap for me.”
She reflected on conversations she had with Liberty’s Promise founder, Dr. Bob Ponichtera. “He asked me questions about my career aspirations, allowing me to think for myself. He made me think critically about what my passions were and what environments they could flourish in.”
Senior year, Erma felt apprehensive about going to college. After reuniting with her father and worrying about her ability to afford college, living away from home and attending college did not make sense. Austin, her program officer, and her mentor, Ms. Tcheyan, scheduled a meeting with Erma and her parents to discuss the realities of college. “Ms. Tcheyan told me ‘Get the grades, do really well, and let the money follow. You have to do the in between work though; you have to ask the questions, do the job, complete that application, and study hard.’” This was a turning point for Erma.
“I submitted my applications to colleges and scholarships and figured if I got accepted then I would go from there. I wasn’t depending on getting accepted, but I was trusting in the process.” In the end, Erma earned enough scholarships for a full ride to McDaniel College.
It was there Erma spent a significant amount of time running the Asian Coalition Community and mentoring international students. “Liberty’s Promise taught me to not question where my community is, but rather question how I can create it. It inspired me to run this club and generate cultural expression among the students.”
Upon finishing her bachelor’s degree in Social Work, her dad fell ill. “I took on the responsibility of being the breadwinner so my mom could support my dad while he was unable to work. After he recovered, I was like, ‘So what’s next?’” She decided to go back to McDaniel and pursue a masters degree in counseling.
Erma now works as a clinical therapist. “Working with people is hard, but I love my job and serving others.
For those feeling uncertain about what they want to study and make a career out of, focus on what you’re good at, what you're excited to do, and how you can serve others. Take it step by step. Don’t do it to impress anyone, just do it for yourself. It doesn’t matter which college you go to, just go, make the most out of it, and have fun.
I’m very grateful for Liberty’s Promise. I see the difference they made in my life still. If someone were to ask me about my career path, I would give credits to Liberty’s Promise any day.”
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