Mothers and daughters often have a lot in common, from the color of their eyes or their smile to their sense of humor or special talents. For Erica Edelan-Barnes ‘99 and her daughter Erin Barnes ’26, they also share another connection: their path to higher education.
Although Erica’s parents were very supportive when she was growing up, they didn’t have the experience or insight to help her achieve her goal of pursuing higher education.
“I had to figure it out myself,” she says
For her, that meant attending a local community college before transferring to a university to earn her bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, she attended UMGC where she earned a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems to help bolster her career in the field of technology. Erica currently works as a Scrum Master Principal at General Dynamics.
Erin followed a similar track, initially attending a community college directly out of high school. She was part of the 3D Scholars Program 2026 cohort, which enabled her to earn a high school diploma, an associate and bachelor's degrees for under $10,000.
“I graduated from high school in 2023 and then graduated in 2024 with my associate’s degree,” she explains.
This spring, she earned her bachelor’s degree in public safety and criminal justice from UMGC. Erica marvels at their parallel paths.
“We ended up at the same college,” she notes. “Me as an adult and her as a young person going to school.”
The Role of Mentoring
Although Erica had to rely on herself as she navigated the college admission process years ago, she is passionate about sharing lessons learned with her colleagues and broader network to help give them a hand up in their education and careers.
“I met a lot of great contacts at UMGC that I still keep in touch with today,” she says. In fact, she helped one fellow UMGC alum secure a position at her company.
“It felt good to be able to do that,” she says. “I recognize that through helping other people, it helps me hone my own skills, and it also makes me feel good to give back.”
She does this formally through the UMGC Career Mentor Program and more casually through her interactions with others. Erica is known for her unique combination of warmth and frankness, something those on the receiving end appreciate.
“I try to meet people where they are,” she notes.
Additionally, both Erica and Erin believe in the power of giving back through volunteerism. Mother and daughter worked side-by-side at UMGC’s Global Give 2026–Volunteer Day that took place last month with a cleanup effort at Greenbelt Park.
Preparing for the Road Ahead
Erica doesn’t just offer her insights to colleagues on the job and network connections. Erin and her younger brother are also on the receiving end of her pearls of wisdom.
“I tease them and tell them I get paid to do this at work,” she says.
Erica’s advice was helpful when Erin was navigating the adjustment from high school and community college to UMGC’s online program, as well as when she interned for the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia and the DC Metropolitan Police Department.
“Erin has my support, but she’s also very resourceful,” Erica says. “I told her that if she is resourceful, it will all come together.”
For her part, Erin is very grateful for her mom’s counsel.
“Sometimes she can be a little bit hard on me, which takes some getting used to, but I am glad she does it,” she explains. “I need someone who has gone through the same path that I have who is going to tell me the truth and give me advice.”
Buidling a Future
This summer, Erin will focus on working while she awaits word on her next goal: law school.
“I definitely feel ready to take on some opportunities in the real world,” Erin says. “I have some plans for the future, and I am excited to hit the ground running.”
Erin shared the following advice for any who may want to join a future 3D Scholars program cohort. “Don’t be afraid to apply even if the path feels challenging, because this opportunity can open doors you may not have imagined for yourself.”
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