My name is Oliver Jasper Erickson. I am 30 years of age with an associate’s degree in the arts, and I adore being outdoors and amongst nature. I grew up in Washington state until I was 12 years old. Then my mother, one of my sisters, and I moved to California to live with my stepfather, with my soon-to-be little brother on his way. Two out of three of my elder sisters stayed in Washington. I spent my teen years, and slightly into my twenties, in California where I studied general education in college while also finding time to go hiking, swimming, crafting, and spending time with family and friends on my off days of work. After 8 years, we moved back to WA where I obtained my AA a couple years ago. Even with school and work, I always find I come back and make time for nature and my family and friends. Connection through activities and experiences, especially outdoors, is a huge part of who I am and what I deem most important in my life.
As of this year, the company I was working for as a delivery driver shut down. This year I had planned to look into various programs or schooling to make a career change. I took the shutdown of my dispatcher position as an opportunity to begin that change. Instead of rushing into the next job, I sought out career paths where I knew I would be a benefit to the teams I would be working with. It was also very crucial that my next venture with work involved something I could look forward to each day. I wanted to find work that I can be proud of, and that benefits a community that holds value. I love working hard, and take pride in being able to continuously learn, even in areas I have been in and around for a long time. Mt. Adams Institute was the perfect avenue for these goals. The totality of the job is what excites me. Getting to put my effort into creating space for others to enjoy and connect with nature, alongside a team of like-minded individuals, truly brings me joy and is something I want to be a part of. With this experience I am hoping to hone my pre-existing skills, learn from those around me, and contribute as much as I can with quality and mindfulness.