by Emmy Frigo

Erin Hudgins, ’21

Erin Hudgins has many feathers in her cap. She is the first Baylor student to double major in public health and international studies, she is the president of Sigma Iota Rho, and she has already committed to Northeastern University for law school and a master’s in public health for the Fall of 2021. She was honored by the Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences as one of their three most Outstanding Student in Public Health. She is a brilliant example of what our director, Dr. Ivy Hamerly, said at an awards ceremony last week, “international studies majors want to help people.”

Erin started Baylor as a Neuroscience major on the pre-med track, but quickly realized that it was not the path for her. She actively sought out advice from several department heads at Baylor to determine what kind of major she wanted to study, and really who she wanted to be. She loved what public health offered, but the cultural and policy aspect that international studies offered was too good to refuse. Despite being told that it may not be possible, Erin is graduating next week with a degree in both.

When asked what she wants to do with these degrees, she responds that she wants to help people. Ms. Hudgins’ goal is to become an attorney who works for the UN to help refugees and asylum seekers. Her dedication to her goals is evident in her commitment to the Susan G Komen foundation, where she started as a local affiliate, and was then appointed to a 2 year center of public policy. She will be continuing her appointed position when she goes to Boston in the Fall.

A true international studies student, Erin chose Northeastern for their co-op program, which allows their students to spend every other semester in a different country. Erin has big plans and has already begun speaking to people about working at the International House of Justice at the Hague. Ms. Hudgins is a great example of what international studies students are capable of.