Erin Parker

“Hey, y’all.” I should have been prepared for that charming greeting, especially after this Hoosier girl had already been introduced to tacos for breakfast, Topo Chico, longhorns on the front of SUVs, intense humidity, and southern hospitality....

I sat in the passenger seat on the Indiana Toll Road headed for Chicago with my fingers anxiously twirling a strand of my curls, when my friend who was driving gently pushed my hands to my lap and encouraged me to not be nervous. I didn’t have to...

Over 100 staff members in the La Porte Community School Corporation will be taking part in a professional development course created by Dr. Brené Brown in hopes of creating more courageous and vulnerable schools. Brown, a professor and social worker...

While most people live--rightfully so--for Fridays, my heart longs for Sunday mornings cuddled up on my couch with pen and paper in hand. It has become a beloved and almost sacred ritual in my life. It’s my soulful Sunday. Oprah’s move from...

As a recovering people pleaser, I spent many years passing out invitations to anyone directly involved in my life, and sometimes to those who I had never met, to join me in the decision making process. Every major choice had no less than five...

I grew up hearing, “Erin, you can be anything you want as long as you put your mind to it and are willing to work for it.” That led to dreams of being president and the greatest WNBA player of all time. After not growing past 5’5” and not...

The 20s are like the month of March. They come in like a lion and leave like a lamb. What starts as one crazy blur turns into stabilizing days filled with routine that wasn’t possible or wanted years before. I am quickly moving my way into my late...

Honest moment: I have been in a massive hole for approximately a month and a half. I have managed to peek my head out a few times for some laughs and happy moments, but I always seem to find a way to fumble back in. It hasn’t been pretty, and I...

I have spent the last decade of my life in constant inner turmoil because of a nagging feeling that I just didn’t fit in. I’ve always felt loved and accepted; however, I have struggled to find anyone who resembled me in personality and outlook. I...

Each day, my room fills up with over 100 students who collectively take up every ounce of my heart. They amaze me with their creativity and intelligence. They inspire me with their selflessness and willingness to do whatever they can to help others....