As a first-generation college student, Elayna Warrington understands earning a college degree comes with its own set of challenges. But she has never let those challenges stand in the way of her goals.
Through it all, she says her mom has always been in her corner.
“My mother has been my number one fan and has always been so supportive of me pursuing my dreams. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her support.”
From a young age, she had a deep love for animals and knew she wanted to work in a zoo someday.
“My mom tells me that when I was a kid, I would always draw myself as a zookeeper,” Warrington said.
Realizing a career in zoology would require a bachelor’s degree, Warrington knew college was not only a dream, but a necessity. As a first-generation student, she was determined to overcome any obstacles that stood in her way.
Finding Her Place
When it came time to choose a university, Northwestern felt like a natural fit. Warrington participated in Northwestern’s Upward Bound, a program designed to prepare high school students for higher education. Students in this program are from low-income families and/or families where neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. Because of Upward Bound and being from Alva, she became familiar with campus life years before she officially enrolled. Through multiple scholarships and concurrent classes completed in high school, she is on track to graduate debt free.
Although she was prepared academically, the start of her college journey brought unexpected personal loss. During her first week of school, her grandfather passed. Not long before her grandfather’s death, her father had also passed.
“I was not in a great headspace,” Warrington said.
From a young age, Warrington had told her father that she was going to college. He, in turn, became one of her strongest advocates. Losing both her father and grandfather in such a short time was devastating, but she found motivation in their belief in her.
Turning Grief Into Purpose
“My motivation to keep going came from my dad and grandpa. I know they were so proud of me and were supportive of me furthering my education in ways they were not able to do.”
Despite her grief, Warrington pushed forward and is now on track to graduate in December 2026 with a biology degree in natural history.
Dr. Nicholus Ledbetter, assistant professor of biology, has played a key role in her education and given her multiple opportunities to expand her horizons.
“The most rewarding students to teach are those who are willing to grow, and Elayna has demonstrated just that,” said Dr. Ledbetter. “She has truly become a leader among her peers, displaying more confidence and insight in my classes each passing year. Her summer spent in the Virgin Islands clearly played a large role. She returned with practical experience and renewed passion for biology that has rubbed off on her classmates. She is a walking example of why it is so important to use your summers wisely.”
In the summer of 2025, she was selected to participate in the Fort Worth Zoo Conservation Expedition to the Virgin Islands, where she played a direct role in conservation research of the Anegada Rock Iguana. The experience strengthened her passion for conservation and confirmed she is pursuing the right path. In the future, Warrington hopes to secure an internship in conservation and eventually serve in a senior zookeeper position.
Warrington is an active member of the Biology Club on campus, serving as the vice president and social media manager.
Outside of science, Warrington expresses her creativity through art. She has won multiple fine arts competitions on campus for her pen and ink and watercolor pieces, including a student people’s choice award.
She says Northwestern has changed her in many ways, especially by helping her grow with social confidence.
“I have always been very introverted, but Northwestern and the small class sizes have helped me come out of my shell. I know this will help me in the long run.”
Since arriving at Northwestern, Warrington has grown both in and out of the classroom. As she prepares to graduate and begin a career in conservation, she is one step closer to the dream she has had since she was a young child.