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After graduating from Eastmont High School, Michelle Erickson knew she wanted to help people but wasn't sure where to begin. ������ý, with its proximity and affordability, offered her the perfect chance to explore her options. “My first advising appointment at WVC opened my eyes to social work,” Michelle recalls. “I was so excited to have an education and career goal I cared about!”

Michelle’s favorite WVC memories revolve around the Van Tassell student lounge, where she met lifelong friends over games of ping pong and heated debates. “WVC was a great place to transition from high school to college and then launch into higher education and awesome careers,” she says.

After earning her Associate of Arts & Sciences degree in 1999, Michelle transferred to Eastern Washington University, where she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work. For 24 years she has been a social worker in child welfare, currently serving as a Critical Incident Review Specialist at the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

In 2015, Michelle returned to WVC as a part-time Sociology Instructor. “Several of my former students are now social workers in our community and across Washington state,” she proudly shares. Despite the challenges of balancing two demanding jobs, Michelle finds her work incredibly rewarding.

Reflecting on her time at WVC, Michelle credits the college with providing a strong foundation for her future. “The wide array of classes, topics, and instructors gave me a great foundation for my education and career,” she says. Her involvement in the ASWVC Student Senate also helped her develop valuable leadership skills.

Michelle’s advice for current WVC students is simple: “Connect with your peers, join clubs, and make memories. Human connections are the heartbeat of our social existence, and WVC is a great place to make them. And travel as far and wide as you can – it’s an enriching life experience.”