PROFILE: Erin Tabor finds success through sacrifice

Erin Tabor

The glow of a laptop screen fills the room as Erin Tabor pushes through another late-night assignment, her eyes fighting exhaustion.

While most students are asleep, Tabor is still working -- determined to stay ahead.

Running on just a few hours of sleep most nights, the junior at Claflin University has built a routine that leaves little room for rest. Between maintaining a near-perfect GPA, balancing two majors, working multiple jobs and staying involved on campus, sleep is often sacrificed.

“I get up around 8 every day, but I usually don’t go to sleep until around 1 a.m.,” Tabor said. “There’s just always something to do.”

Tabor, a double major in criminal justice and psychology from Charleston, is not just an honors student — she’s a student constantly in motion. Whether she’s studying in her room, working in the library or completing assignments in different spaces across campus, her “workspace” is wherever she can find time.

Her schedule is packed. During the week, she works in the student success office, helping coordinate events and assisting students. On weekends, she returns home to work at Big Lots, where she takes on multiple roles — from cashier to stocker.

“I like money,” she said with a laugh. “And I need to pay my credit card off.”

But behind the humor is a deeper motivation. Tabor’s drive comes from a desire to build a successful future and create opportunities for herself.

“I always wanted to be the best version of what I’m doing,” she said. “I don’t want to just be a college student — I want to be an honors college student.”

Maintaining a 3.89 GPA while juggling responsibilities is no easy task. For Tabor, discipline comes from focusing on consequences.

“I think about what’s going to happen if I don’t keep up my grades,” she said. “That keeps me on track.”

Still, the pressure can be overwhelming. During midterms this year, Tabor reached one of her lowest points.

“I felt emotionally and mentally drained,” she said. “I just wanted to sleep — and that’s not like me at all. I’m usually always active, even going to the gym.”

Balancing work and academics also comes with sacrifices.

“The hardest part is not having time for fun, parties or even the gym sometimes,” she said. “And having to tell people no.”

Beyond academics, Tabor is heavily involved on campus. She is a member of several organizations, including Motivating and Inspiring Strong Sisterhood (MISS), the National Society of Leadership and Success, and multiple honor societies.

Despite her accomplishments, she admits that people often misunderstand her.

“I think people sometimes believe I have everything figured out,” she said. “But there are a lot of things I struggle with every day.”

Those close to her see the effort behind the success.

“She’s very hardworking,” said Myah Burt, a fellow student. “When she sets her mind to something, nothing is going to stop her. She’s dedicated and does everything with grace.”

Tabor’s motivation is rooted in both ambition and family.

“My mom inspires me the most,” she said. “I want to make her proud and do things she wasn’t able to do.”

Looking ahead, Tabor plans to continue her education, with aspirations of earning either a law degree or a doctorate in psychology. She also envisions a future of financial stability and personal success.

In her eyes, failure is not an option.

“I don’t believe in failure,” she said. “This is just a short period of my life, and I’m doing what I need to do now so I can live the life I want later.”

For Tabor, the long nights, constant movement and daily sacrifices are all part of a bigger picture — one she’s determined to achieve, no matter the cost.