By Janeal Downs

Ereka Guy, buy graduate of John Marshall High School, medications will attend Hampton University this fall to pursue a degree in Psychology. She plans to get a Master’s degree and a PhD in Psychology in the future as well. At the age of four, Ereka was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and has taken medicine for it ever since. “I actually want to work with kids that’s in my place because I know how it feels to grow up and to feel emotional,” Ereka said. “I just want to be a big help to kids that are going through that and make sure they get the proper diagnosis and the proper help so they can be just as successful as I am.” Ereka said she wants to be able to evaluate, diagnose, treat and study mental illnesses. She wants to also counsel children who show behavioral problems at home and in school. She said she hopes to have her own practice one day.

Ereka said she graduated as the number nine student in her graduating class at John Marshall High School. When asked what her motivation for succeeding was, she said being able to take care of her mom, family and being a big help to others. She said both of her parents received a high school diploma but she will be the first person of her immediate family to attend a four-year University. “I have strived to maintain excellent grades in school, which is why it is very important for me to attend college not only to pursue my career, but to educate myself more,” Ereka said.

One of her major academic achievements is serving as a member of the National Honor Society (NHS). She said the program helped her excel to the next level in her education and helped her get involved with the community. With the program, she participated in community service helping others in need. “Education is the key to success,” Ereka said. “I am always looking for different ways to be educated.” Along with her involvement with the National Honor Society, Ereka said her favorite activity is cheerleading. She was a part of the John Marshall Cheerleading Squad for three years and also served as a co-captain. She said being on the squad helped show and teach her leadership and responsibility.

Ereka said seeing her mother raise her children as a single black mother is what makes her mother her biggest role model. “She has her own hair salon and she’s a business woman and despite her circumstances she was able to take care of her two girls and still run a business,” Ereka said. “And seeing how she has helped people in the community and be there for people, I really admire her.”

Ereka said she advises people to never let others say you can’t do anything or be anything. She said she has overcome a lot of obstacles and learned to never let people discourage her. “Really you can do anything as long as you put your mind to it,” Ereka said.