Jocelyn Herrera: Creating a Home Away From Home

By: Monica Ramos Flores

Edited By Ariana Arias

Word Count: 750

Estimated Reading Time: 3 Minutes

Jocelyn Herrera, a first-generation student at Towson University majoring in public health, is graduating this spring. She took some time to reflect on her journey, and here is what she had to say:

For Herrera, choosing Towson University was an easy decision from the start. It was the first college she toured with her parents, which became a meaningful memory for both her and her family.

“They really liked the campus and how pretty it was,” Herrera recalled.

In addition to her parents loving the campus, the diversity also played a role in her decision, along with the academic programs and student organization options.

The proud Salvadoran felt nervous and overwhelmed when she first arrived on campus. It was her first time being away from home, and her fears centered around not being able to socialize and make friends.

However, she met two of her closest friends at Towson, and with the guidance of her RA that year, the transition to college became easier and more welcoming for her.

If she could go back in time, she would tell her freshman self that mistakes happen, that she would make it through and not dwell on the difficult moments.

As someone who originally thought she would just attend classes and focus only on school, Herrera eventually branched out and became involved on campus.

Because of the impact her RA had on her, Herrera found herself becoming an RA as well.

“I’ve enjoyed creating a safe space for first-year residents,” she explained.

Aside from being an RA, Herrera was also one of the co-founders of La Voz Latina at Towson University.

Being involved on campus allowed her to create memories, friendships and become more confident in herself as both a leader and a student.

Though Herrera is graduating with a public health degree, her plans after graduation look a little different. She hopes to pursue a career in optometry.

Even though she may not directly use her degree in this profession, she explained that her coursework still had a major impact on her perspective and values.

Learning about epidemiology, communicable diseases, policies and community outreach sparked her passion for helping others and becoming more involved within communities.

“At the end of the day, I want to help as many people as I can,” Herrera said.

Before she can get to all of that, she must graduate.

When asked what graduating meant to her, Herrera explained that it represents far more than simply walking across a stage.

To her, graduating represents years of hard work, sacrifice and perseverance.

Being the first in her family to graduate from high school, graduating from college will become another accomplishment that will fill her family with pride.

However, this accomplishment was never something she held only for herself.

“My parents came to the U.S. with nothing to give my sister and I the opportunities they have only ever dreamed of,” Herrera said, honoring her parents and the sacrifices they made for her and her sister.

Her identity is also an enormous part of her graduation.

“I’m very proud to be a daughter of immigrants, I’m proud to be Salvadoran, and I am proud to be an educated woman.”

As Jocelyn Herrera prepares to leave Towson University, she leaves incoming freshmen with this advice:

“Make sure to live in the moment and take everything in, and don’t stress out too much, you’re going to make it!”