When I came to Maryland Correctional Institution of Women, I heard about Goucher College and was interested in going because I wanted a chance to do something good in my life and start over. I didn’t choose my major, but remain grateful for the opportunity to better myself. I didn’t know what to expect, but every class was new so I couldn’t wait to take more. I learned to analyze books, articles and other readings. There is a lot I learned because of Goucher. I love history, and the first history class I took was called “Democracy’s Spell.” I was so fascinated learning about France, monarchies, servants and democracy. Even though the class was through Zoom because of COVID, I enjoyed it.
I learned about how people have changed over time with respect to education, society, technology and more. I think it is amazing we never stop learning and constantly changing. I’ve seen this in myself. My writing skills have improved, and I’m more confident during presentations.
Goucher taught me to be more actively committed, so every assignment and responsibility I have, I didn’t see as something I had to do, but something to enjoy. I never thought I would love to come to class and get excited to learn or that I would meet such passionate people among my professors, tutors and Goucher staff.
As a single mother, I’m showing my children the importance of education wherever you are. My 19-year-old daughter is in college, so we speak using the same rhetoric when we talk about classes, professors and assignments. I understand when she’s talking about college, and help her whenever she needs. She told me that she’s proud of me, and it felt so good to hear that. My 15-year-old daughter is in high school; I constantly encourage her to do the best with her classes. I speak by example, so I try to be a good role model for them. I want them to have a better future. Now, I’m proud to be part of Goucher and the first Latina GPEP graduate.
By Aldercy Lugo ‘26
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