Arts and Sciences | First Generation | Lion VoicesDecember 10, 2025

First-Generation Student Spotlight: Erika Johnson

Written By: First-Generation Committee

Erika Johnson never hesitated when her parents asked if she planned to go to college.

She knew she wanted a bachelor’s degree but had no idea how to begin, often feeling alone as she navigated the process. Starting at what she called “ground zero,” Erika did the one thing she knew would move her forward: ask for help.

“You can’t be afraid to ask for help and to be a little uncomfortable,” she said, explaining that while she wasn’t sure if she was asking the right person, she knew she had to keep asking questions. “That first year, I would always just email the person from UAFS who had emailed me last.”

Erika graduated from Northside High School and was an active student there. After attending Mane Event and Cub Camp at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, she got the information she needed to dive in once fall arrived.

“If this is what you want to do, you just have to do it,” she said.

With a background in high school student council, she found a natural fit in student governance and decided to run for a role in the UAFS Student Government Association. Today, she serves as the SGA Vice President and as the Communications Director for the 2026 Cub Camp.

Despite Erika’s success at UAFS, her transition wasn’t without challenges.

“I was afraid I was unprepared for this experience,” Erika admitted. “Now that I’ve been here, I don’t think I was, but I did have that fear.”

She recalled feeling intimidated by the faculty at first, but those concerns quickly faded.

“Their actions prove that they want you to be successful.”

After completing a biology degree, Erika plans to pursue a master’s degree to prepare for a career in environmental conservation.

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