An interview with Erika Barros, Admission Associate at Carroll School.

How did your path lead to Carroll?

I worked at a daycare, which was great when my children were little. Once they started school, I needed a less stressful position. I applied to over 40 positions before joining Carroll. I’m dyslexic and struggled in school. As I learned more about Carroll during the interview, I knew this was the place for me.

My favorite part of my previous job was touring families and interacting with kids. In my role at Carroll, I get the best of both worlds—leading tours, interacting with kids, and doing the administrative work I enjoy.

What does an Admissions Associate do?

I support the Admissions team in many ways, from managing contracts for new students to setting up prospective student visits for the Lower School (more than 150 visits last year!). I am the “go-to” person for admissions questions, taking in all the applications and working closely with prospective families to help them complete the application.

What do you love about your work?

I love advocating for students who really need Carroll. I was raised by a single mom in a middle class suburb. When I see dyslexic kids like me who are struggling, I want them to have the access that I didn’t have. Seeing these kids a year later smiling and laughing as they walk down the halls, that’s awesome.

These students come from schools that have failed them and their families are not sure how they will make Carroll work. So I fight for them.

What motivates you to come to work every day?

It’s such a great community. Everybody is so kind and helpful, everyone’s just there for you. And, mostly, I love working with kids—the education field is where I belong.

What's a fun fact about you?

I love waking up at 4:00 a.m. and driving an hour to go to the beach to watch the sunrise.