Erica Dimas ’25 Named Summer 2025 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Liberal Arts

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — When Erica Dimas ’25 first stepped onto the campus of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in 2021, she carried with her more than just ambition; she carried the hopes of her family and the determination to pave a new path as a first-generation college student. Today, the Houston native not only achieved that goal by earning her degree, but she’s also being honored as the Summer 2025 Outstanding Islander Graduate for the College of Liberal Arts.

For Dimas, the search for the right university wasn’t just about academics or scenic beauty — it was about finding a place that felt like home.

“From my very first campus visit, I felt welcomed and supported,” Dimas said. “What truly made TAMU-CC the perfect fit was the number of programs and resources dedicated to student success. I was encouraged by the university’s commitment to helping students not just attend college, but graduate and thrive.”

Driven by a deep compassion for helping others, Dimas began her journey at TAMU-CC as a pre-nursing major. As she navigated college and grew her self-awareness, she realized that her true calling wasn’t just in healing the body, it was in supporting the mind and heart. After much reflection, Dimas made the life-changing decision to switch her major to psychology in her final year of study.

“It was a major turning point,” she said. “I worried about being behind or judged for changing course so late, but it was the best decision I could have made. It aligned with who I truly am and the kind of impact I want to have.”

Dimas said she was fortunate to be part of two incredible support programs: TRIO SSS-STEM and FISA (First Islander Scholars’ Academy), organizations that played a huge role in her success by connecting her with resources, academic support, and a community of like-minded peers.

“Last summer, I had the opportunity to participate in a graduate school exploration trip through TRIO SSS-STEM,” she said. “We visited several universities, attended informational sessions on graduate programs, and met with current graduate students and faculty. For the first time, I could truly see my next academic step not just as a dream, but as something achievable. Before that trip, the idea of graduate school felt distant and unclear, but the experience solidified my decision to pursue a master’s degree in counseling.”

She also found two mentors within TRIO SSS-STEM, Program Director Dr. Heather Herrera ’24 and Program Coordinator Julia Norrell ’15, ’25, whom she said supported her in different but equally meaningful ways.

“Heather helped me solve just about every issue I ran into, from figuring out the FAFSA to finding the right tutoring resources and managing my class schedule. She’s someone I’ve always felt comfortable venting to whether I was stressed, overwhelmed, or just needed someone to listen,” Dimas said. “Julia was also incredibly supportive and has always pushed me to believe in myself. She’s the one who constantly reminded me of my strengths, helped me stay focused on my goals, and encouraged me to keep going even when things got tough.”

Dimas’ mentors consider her a shining example of perseverance and ambition within the Islander family.

“Serving as one of Erica’s mentors has truly been an unforgettable experience,” Herrera said. “I have witnessed Erica approach her academic journey with resilience, determination, and a deep passion for understanding human behavior.”

Support also came in the form of scholarships, including the Islander Scholars Scholarship.

“Beyond the financial help, the scholarship has made me feel valued and recognized, which has boosted my confidence and inspired me to give back to the community in any way I can,” Dimas said.

Outside the classroom, Dimas found purpose and connection through the faith-based Delight Ministry and through working at the SandDollar$ Office.

“Working at the SandDollar$ Office for four years taught me responsibility, time management, and how to communicate effectively,” Dimas said. “I developed customer service and administrative skills that I know will serve me well in the real world especially in a career like counseling, where communication, empathy, and professionalism are essential.”

Now, as she prepares to walk across the stage, Dimas reflects on how much she’s grown since her first day as an Islander.

“I now leave TAMU-CC with not only a degree but a clear sense of purpose and a commitment to giving others the same care and guidance I’ve been blessed to receive,” Dimas said. “My Islander Impact isn’t just about what I accomplished, but about the person I became here and how I’ll continue to carry the Islander spirit into everything I do next.”