By Avery Erickson | March 19, 2025
As the end of the school year gradually approaches and the winter ice melts under an emerging spring sun, I am reminded of the cyclical nature of change. Just like
the seasons, students undergo tremendous cycles of growth, challenge, and transformation as they move through high school, college and into the workforce. My
own journey through higher education at the University of Minnesota, and later in Indonesia as a Fulbright English teaching assistant, was marked by pivotal decisions
often oriented around international travel, language and cultural immersion. As an AmeriCorps College Coach now at Soft Landing Missoula, I have been deeply privileged to support, guide and witness students as they make these important transitions in their lives.
Oriented around joy and community, Soft Landing Missoula has been supporting immigrants and refugees since 2016. Children that arrived in Missoula at the beginning
of Soft Landing’s inception are now in high school, and some are even graduating from
college. Throughout these years, Soft Landing staff and AmeriCorps members have
passionately and lovingly supported youth with educational and linguistic support, social
and recreational activities, and community connection. Preparing students for college success in the United States, and supporting their holistic growth along the way, is a multi-dimensional effort that takes years. From an early age, American children are introduced to the education system, and learn from family, culture and personal experience the unique values, expectations and rigorous demands of college. For many immigrant and refugee students coming from countries with different education systems, learning and adapting to an entirely new set of pedagogical practices (student-centered learning) and values (punctuality and efficiency) can be overwhelming. During my service term as a college coach, I have engaged and guided students through this transition. My service activities have included, but have not been limited to, English language learning support, applying for college and financial aid opportunities, academic coursework support in the humanities and sciences, navigating college culture and professional relationships, pairing students with qualified volunteer mentors, providing student leadership opportunities within schools and in the Missoula community, job application support, and social-emotional support.
The AmeriCorps members before me built and sustained robust pathways,
community partnerships and connections that have allowed for this immense range of support to exist. Their role is integral to providing supportive services for college students and expanding the capacity of the Soft Landing Youth Program. However, in order for meaningful, effective civic service to be maintained, reciprocity must also be valued and incorporated into the fabric of a service role. Reciprocity includes receiving a livable wage and the encouragement, time and resources to pursue projects that are thoughtful, meaningful and mutually beneficial for the community and the AmeriCorps members.
As the year draws to a close, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this transformative service, and to continue supporting and witnessing the brilliance, courage and growth of students at Soft Landing.