Erika Wiggins
College of Business
Pursuing: Bachelor of Science, Healthcare Management
Anticipated Graduation: Fall 2011
Campus: Savannah
Ask just about anyone on the campus and you’ll hear – if you’re looking for answers about working and studying your way through college, you will find Erika Wiggins’ smiling, encouraging face to help you.
Erika, born and raised in Savannah, is a single mom of four children, ages four to twelve. “Raising four kids is not easy – from cheerleading camp to church choir, we stay busy! My whole reason for coming to South University is to show my children a better life.”
Since beginning her program in Healthcare Management in 2007, Erika has been a regular name on the Dean’s List as she started her academic career with as much conviction and hard work as she’s carried pretty much throughout her tumultuous life. “A couple ideas that probably sum me up are passion and determination. A few years ago I was in an abusive relationship, and God saw to it I received strength and was delivered. Then, some very good friends of mine encouraged me to apply to the program at South when all the circumstances in life made it look like to get my degree and to maintain my home and family would be absolutely impossible. I’m back in school by the grace of God. I started out as a work study student, and now I help coordinate activities for work study students.”
As a full-time student, Erika embraces the work and her future aspirations, not only for her immediate family but also for others in her hometown. Among her professional goals, after finishing her master’s degree she plans to run for mayor in the city of Savannah. “I grew up here, attended Savannah schools, and I’m recognizing more about what I’m really capable of at South University. When you have education, you have a foundation, and you have something that will propel you to growth and strength in the world.”
Erika’s own struggles with domestic violence have given her the resolve to pursue a career in healthcare. Her immediate objective at South University is to earn a bachelor’s degree and then, a master’s degree in Healthcare Management.
“I worked for thirteen years as a home health assistant, and I think one of the greatest strengths I’ve developed is a gift of counsel. I’ve lived through some dark, abusive circumstances and I’ve survived, thank God. Now, the victory pushes me to be an encouragement to others, and I hope, an inspiration.”
At the top of her list, Erika dreams of working to create better living facilities for the elderly who have always, so greatly, needed help from others. “One thing I’ve learned at South and I continue to learn is you can’t reshape life by staying on the same level. In order to change circumstances, you have to change the behavior and that kind of positive change will take things to the next, and hopefully, higher level.”