Inspired by family’s immigration journey, first-gen grad earns 2 degrees
First-generation student Erica Marie Rivera Maglalang (pictured with her father, Ericson Maglalang, and her mother, Cecille Maglalang) is graduating this spring with dual bachelor’s degrees in political science and global studies. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2026 graduates.
A first-generation immigrant and this year’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences student speaker for convocation, Erica Marie Rivera Maglalang has combined her passion for immigration, cross-cultural connection and public service into a college journey shaped by leadership, research and study abroad experiences in Madrid.
Born in the Philippines, Maglalang moved to Arizona at age 2 with her mother and sisters after her father came ahead to prepare for the family’s transition to the United States. That experience inspired her early interest in immigration law and public service.
This spring, she is graduating this spring from Arizona State University with two bachelor’s degrees: one in political science from New College and the other in global studies from The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Below, Maglalang reflects on the lessons, challenges and moments that defined her ASU journey.
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Erica Marie Rivera Maglalang on ASU’s Tempe campus.
Courtesy photo
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Erica Marie pictured on ASU’s Tempe campus with her sisters, both proud ASU alums: Francesca Marie Rivera Maglalang (left), Class of 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in nursing, and Claire Marie Rivera Maglalang, Class of 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in business health care.
Courtesy photo
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Proud New College student speaker Erica Marie Rivera Maglalang on ASU’s Tempe campus.
Courtesy photo
Question: What inspired you to study political science and global studies?
Answer: Growing up, I knew I wanted a career where I could help people. My family immigrated from the Philippines to Arizona when I was 2 years old, and seeing how much our immigration lawyer helped us really inspired me. At first, I wanted to become an immigration lawyer, which is what led me to political science.
Later, I took a global studies class on the Tempe campus and completely fell in love with the idea of helping people on a global scale. Global studies really emphasized cross-cultural connection and service, and that became something I wanted to carry with me no matter what career path I choose.
Q: Why did you choose ASU’s New College?
A: New College was actually the first college I was introduced to at ASU — when I was still in elementary school. I attended a summer camp on the West campus, and I still remember the college students talking about how welcoming and supportive New College was.
One of the ASU cards they gave us said “Future Sun Devil” with my name on it. I still remember that moment, even from second or third grade. It honestly felt like it was written in the stars for me to go to ASU.
Q: Was there a class that changed your perspective?
A: One class that really impacted me was Water Planet. I originally took it because I needed a science elective, but it completely changed the way I think about global issues like water scarcity and access to clean water.
It made me realize how many things we take for granted every day. Having access to clean water is a luxury for many people around the world. That class widened my perspective and made me more aware of global challenges tied to politics and international relations.
Q: What did you learn through global studies with The College?
A: ASU is such a diverse campus, and I felt like I met someone new every day. Everyone had different backgrounds and experiences, and that really deepened my interest in global studies.
I learned how important it is to understand people from different cultures and perspectives. You realize that people can come together despite differences and still build meaningful relationships and friendships.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson?
A: Last semester I took qualitative methods with Dr. Robert Poe, and it was one of the hardest but most rewarding classes I’ve taken. What stood out was how much freedom we had in choosing research topics connected to our own interests. He showed me how much research actually impacts our lives and how it helps us better understand people and human experiences, not just numbers and data.
Q: What advice would you give students considering college?
A: Don’t let other people influence your decision too much. Even if your friends choose different schools, that just means you’ll have opportunities to meet new people and build new connections. I think the biggest thing is learning to embrace uncertainty. Everyone is nervous when they start college. Once you realize that everyone is figuring things out too, it becomes less scary.
Q: What advice would you give students interested in political science?
A: Go into it with an open mind. Politics today can feel very polarized, but if you enter political science unwilling to hear different perspectives, you limit your ability to learn and help people effectively. At the end of the day, if you’re studying political science, your goal should be helping people and creating positive change. If that’s your motivation, there’s always a place for you in the classroom.
Q: What are your favorite places on the West Valley campus?
A: One of my favorite study spots is on the third floor of Fletcher Library behind one of the book stacks. There are lounge chairs tucked away there that are perfect for long reading sessions. I also love the New College student lounge because it’s a great place to study with friends, relax and connect with other students.
Q: What does being selected as New College’s student speaker mean to you and your family?
A: It means so much to me and my family. I actually found out while I was in Austria during a weekend trip abroad. My mom always dreamed that one of her children would give a graduation speech so our family in the Philippines could see us onstage for longer than just a few seconds crossing at graduation.
When I found out, I immediately called my family and started crying. It felt bigger than just me. I hope my speech gives students encouragement as we all move into the next chapter of our lives.
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