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Bond 1995
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Transition to Success, Student Comes Full Circle
By Nancy Nichols
September 4, 2000 Update
(also see Register Guard article on 10/23/2000)
In a culture that operates in a linear manner, it is refreshing to discover examples of how life comes full circle. Such discoveries are rewarding in that we are reminded that so called random incidents often come together to validate and reinforce honorable intentions, good works, and courageous spirits. Such is the case with Leila Erickson; a young, single mom who was but one variable in a series of 'random' episodes that also included LCC's Transitions to Success program, a bond project, and Chambers Construction.
Leila is a 1995 graduate of the Transitions to Success program at LCC. For those individuals experiencing life changes, the successful Women's Program stresses the development and incorporation of skills in goal setting, decision making, and implementing plans. Leila was a prime candidate for the program since she had just moved to Eugene and wanted to change the focus of her employment. While living in an apartment belonging to her father and trying to make decisions that would ultimately culminate in a better life for her and her eight-year-old daughter, Leila enrolled at LCC in the Transitions to Success program. As with countless other individuals, Leila found a community within the program that was supportive, caring, and empowering. Although Leila's daily circumstances were difficult, the program taught her invaluable lessons. The lessons helped Leila develop healthy ways of viewing her current state of affairs and experiences, thereby escaping a victim mentality. As with other graduates of the program, Leila discovered that she was not as bad off as she believed, and as importantly, "Our lives will change forever. We are always in a state of change. The program taught me something different about myself and my possibilities . . .You know, you have uneasy feelings about how you will survive. The program made it easier to go with the changes."
And Leila did go with the changes. After graduating from the program and on the urging of a close friend, she interviewed for a job with Chambers Construction. Leila was hired on the spot! Since that day, Leila has not only carried out her duties as a laborer, but is also a Safety Coordinator for the construction company. Whereas, not long ago Leila lived in her father's apartment and was unsure how she was going to make it, now she is earning a living wage and buying her own home. As to Chamber Construction, Leila has nothing but good remarks, "Chambers has been like my parents. They have been very supportive and understanding about my being a single parent." And as far as being one of a small minority of females in the construction industry, Leila strongly believes, "There's always a place for women in construction."
With the passage of a 1995 bond levy, the place to look for construction activity was LCC's main campus. While other aspects of this story unfolded, it was when Chambers Construction was awarded the bid for LCC's Student Services building that all variables fell into place, thereby allowing this narrative to come full circle. While working on the Student Services site, Leila happened to look up at the balcony of the adjacent Business Building. Standing at the corner of the balcony was a small group of women who were looking at construction on the new building. One of the women, Jill Bradley, who is the coordinator of the Women's Center, shouted down to Leila that once completed, the building would house the Women's Program. Up to that point, Leila had no idea that the Transitions program that had facilitated her personal understanding and confidence, and that in many ways led to her job at Chambers Construction, would be housed in a building her efforts were helping to produce. When she heard the news, Leila flashed her big smile, waved, and yelled back up to Jill, "I think it's awesome for the ladies. They deserve it!"
During construction on LCC's main campus when regular college business is temporarily disrupted and viewed as less than 'awesome,' it is refreshing to find interactions facilitated by bond activities in which all those concerned come out as winners. This brief narrative demonstrates that Chambers Construction has benefited by securing the bid for the Student Services building, which is funded by bond monies. Chambers is also fortunate in that Leila Erickson continues to be a valuable employee. Clearly, LCC is a winner because of new space being developed by bond construction. Moreover, evidence that Lane's strong programs prepare students for the realities of life cannot be overlooked. The Women's Program and Transitions to Success are validated since another successful student demonstrates ability, determination, and courage to overcome obstacles in the face of significant life transitions by calling on those skills developed in the program in order to gain employment with Chambers Construction. And nothing short of a winner herself, Leila Erickson directly benefits from wages made available by bond construction, not to mention the satisfaction derived from giving back to a program and college that played a significant part in her unique, full circle experience of life.
(also see Register Guard article on 10/23/2000)
Questions and comments about any bond construction activity may be directed to 744-4154 or e-mailed to bond@lanecc.edu. All communication received will be regularly reviewed by the Bond Project Management Team (BPMT), the architects, and the Facilities Management Committee.
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