Faculty mentorship inspires first-generation student to lead and excel

“The things that I’ve done are because I knew someone here. All my internships, all my leadership roles, because somebody here was like, ‘You should do that,’ and I said, ‘yes.’”

When Gaby Herrera ’25, a first-generation college student, began her journey at the University of Redlands (U of R), she couldn’t have anticipated the transformative opportunities that would define her undergraduate experience. Through strong mentorship and her unyielding pursuit of excellence, Herrera has grown into a leader, prepared to make her mark in the fields of government and politics.

The power of faculty mentorship

Herrera, a senior double majoring in political science and public policy, attributes much of her success to her close relationship with Professor Renee Van Vechten.

“I went into political science because of Renee, when I took her “Introduction to American Politics” class my first year,” Herrera said. “I also met Professor Art Svenson during Summer Bridge (U of R’s orientation program for first-generation students.) The way they both explained politics and government made it sound fun and opened aspects of the topics that made me like it.”

Van Vechten’s mentorship proved instrumental in Herrera’s academic and personal growth. Over the years, Herrera has taken six courses with Van Vechten and even served as a peer advisor for her “Dynamics of Presidential Power” course.

“When [Gaby] came in, she was this kind of meek [first-year student] who was just getting a feel for higher education, and was trying to shrink into the background, even though she was doing great work,” Van Vechten reflected. “Now I’ve had her for six courses, and to watch her transform into this leader who is so self-confident and has this wonderful skill set makes me smile.”

Having the option to choose from several students to serve as a peer advisor, Van Vechten selected Herrera, describing her as “lucky and blessed” to see Herrera mentor other students. “One of the things we do well is nudge doors [of opportunity] open for students. When you have a person like Gaby, she pushes the door, walks into this new world, and inhabits it—that is what it’s supposed to be about,” she said.

Embracing leadership and opportunities

Herrera has taken full advantage of the opportunities available at U of R. In addition to being a Town & Gown Scholar, she holds several leadership roles, including President of the Maroon and Grey Student Ambassadors and a seat on the Alumni Board of Directors. Each opportunity has allowed her to grow further into her potential.

“Faculty are always willing to talk to students and give opportunities,” Herrera said. “The things that I’ve done are because I knew someone here. All my internships, all my leadership roles, because somebody here was like, ‘You should do that,’ and I said, ‘yes.’”

Preparing for a future in law and politics

As Herrera works toward her goal of applying to law school and becoming a judge, she continues to immerse herself in government and politics. Her journey includes impactful internships, such as her time with the YMCA of East Valley’s Legal Aid Clinic and the office of California Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh.

Meeting Ochoa Bogh during Van Vechten’s May Term course in Sacramento was a pivotal moment for Herrera. The senator’s commitment to fostering dialogue across political divides inspired Herrera to seize the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of politics.

One of Herrera’s most notable projects was a policy presentation based on the Cato Institute’s Freedom of the 50 States Project. She focused on e-cigarette for California youth populations, analyzing the state’s policies and comparing them to other states. What began as a small assignment evolved into her senior capstone project.

“When I decided to do it, I thought it was going to be something small, and maybe never touch again because it’s not a policy I’m passionate about,” Herrera said. “But I did it, found it interesting, and now it’s my capstone—I’m going to expand more on it. I can apply that method of intense research I did in the internship to my capstone, which is helpful.”

Inspiring transformation and excellence

Herrera’s journey from a reserved first-year student to a confident leader exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship and opportunity. Her determination to embrace every chance to grow and excel inspires both her professors and peers.

“Students like Gaby inspire me and make me want to keep doing what I’m doing,” Van Vechten said.

“She’s exactly the kind of student who comes in, maybe a little unsure of themselves and what they want to do, and then finds these opportunities, commits, and finds pathways that are going to potentially serve them for the rest of their lives.”

Most recently, Herrera was added to the California Student Aid Commission's (CSAC) Statewide Student Advisory Council and will be returning to the state Capitol in February to advocate for the importance of financial aid in promoting college access, persistence, and success. 

Learn more about political science at the University of Redlands.