15 minutes with Erica Kier
What year did you graduate from Ada High School?
I am a proud member of Ada High School’s Class of 2013.
Can you remember who you sat beside in first grade?
• Hmm, that is a tough one, but I am fairly certain Russell Gray sat behind me at some point in Mrs. Beckley’s first grade class. I do remember a time where I turned around to tell him he was bugging me and to please stop but it just so happened to be the day where we were learning about insects so my comment only seemed to add fuel to his fire that day.
Where are you attending college and what is your major?
I am currently a freshman, bioengineering major studying at Lehigh University.
How far is Lehigh from Ada?
It takes a good nine to 10 hour drive to arrive at Lehigh’s campus.
What courses are you taking this fall?
This fall I took 5 courses. I took Calculus I, Chemistry (which is also paired with a lab), English I, Intro to Bioengineering and Applied Engineering Methods. This spring I will be taking Calculus II, Physics (also paired with a lab), Biology (also paired with a lab), English II, and Intro to Bioengineering II.
If you ever decided to get a tattoo, what would it be? What are the chances of that happening?
Well the chances of me getting a tattoo are pretty much slim to none. I am one big baby when it comes to needles, so even thinking about the process of getting a tattoo pains me. Theoretically speaking though, if I were to work up the courage to get one I would probably get one of a small dream catcher either behind my ear or on the back of my wrist. Just to simply remind me every day of the dreams I have for myself and that I can achieve or “catch” them if I truly try hard enough.
You came home for the harvest and herb festival. What is it like coming back to Ada as a college student?
Coming back to Ada now as a college freshman definitely changed my perspective on my hometown. When I was in high school I couldn’t wait to experience new places and venture out of Ada. But now I really do appreciate all that I have learned and experienced in my hometown of Ada. Seeing friends and loved ones I grew up with that I now don’t get to see every day really makes me appreciate and see Ada in a different light. Ada is my hometown, it is where I grew up and where I spent some of the best years of my life and coming home to Ada now is more of a blessing than anything else.
What’s the most expensive book you had to purchase this fall? Do you think you’ll keep it or sell it when the class is over?
My most expensive book I have had to purchase so far was my Calculus textbook. I will probably hold on to my Calculus book though because after finishing up Calculus I, I will also be using it to take both Calculus II and Calculus III.
Do you have any advice for Ada High School seniors in their final year of high school?
My advice would be to take advantage of all the opportunities given to you and make the most of everything around you. It is your last year at Ada and some of the last times you’ll really get to interact with all the wonderful people around you.
Spend time with your friends and get to know your teachers because they are people who will always be there for you where ever you land next. Also, take advantage of all kinds of new and different activities. Be active! The more you participate in the more you learn and appreciate your community. Everything you experience will help shape and form you into who you want to become. Meeting new people and having these experiences will only help prepare you to be successful in college and your career.
What life lessons did you learn in Ada that are following you?
Ahh I learned so much from my time in Ada! Everything I have learned and experienced from my time growing up in Ada has carried over into my time here at Lehigh.
Here at college, I try to take advantage of all the opportunities that are given to me and really to become involved on campus and in the community. I know going to Lehigh will make an outstanding scholar but getting involved in other activities will only help me grow socially and professionally as well. Work ethic has also most definitely come into play now that I am studying at the college level.
I know to achieve my goals I must work harder and be determined to succeed. Getting through Bioengineering will most definitely be a test of my work ethic and perseverance. Ultimately, I know I will only get out of college what I put into it.
Thanks for talking with me and good luck in your next semester.
