Always Berry

Erika Becerra Gutierrez had a deep desire to do something meaningful with her life, but while her family was loving and supportive, they didn't have the means to help her pay for college.

Determined to live out her dream, the first-generation college student spent her first two years at Berry commuting five days a week, driving nearly an hour each way. She also worked 20 hours a week at a local grocery store to supplement her financial aid. When an already tenuous situation became impossible due to a pending family move and other financial difficulties, additional scholarship support changed everything.

Empowered by the generosity of others, the hardworking communication major finally was able to take full advantage of the experience-rich education Berry provides as a full-time member of the college's caring, nurturing community. Now a senior, Erika can point to involvement in the Berry College Forensics Union, the Berry Center for Integrity in Leadership, Emerging Leaders and Lambda Sigma Honor Society as key stepping stones in her journey toward graduate school and an eventual career in student affairs. One day, she hopes to offer other students the same type of guidance and encouragement she found at Berry. All this because alumni and friends like you chose to give.