February 2012 Corpsmember of the Month

Adam Erickson

Supervisor: Jon Wheeler, Natural Resources Crew Supervisor

Crew: Natural Resourcew Crew

Length of time at Conservation Corps North Bay: 9 months

Reason corpsmember was selected: Adam was selected for excellent work performance, attitude, safety record, and continually exceeding his supervisor’s expectations as a corpsmember and as a safety officer. He takes direction well, shows good decision-making skills, and continually looks for ways to improve. He works diligently in school and has a superior attendance record. He responds well to criticism and is an excellent role model.

Leadership: Safety Officer.

Skills training received at Conservation Corps North Bay: Adam has received training in every power and hand tool Conservation Corps North Bay has to offer. He also received training to be a successful and effective leader. He has learned skills such as communication and organization.

Favorite project:His favorite project was re-landscaping the Petaluma Caltrans yard. He liked the project so much because it was hard work and you felt accomplished at the end of every day. He was also able to get to know the Caltrans workers pretty well.

Favorite educational component: He would have to say that Madeline’s math class is his favorite because he has never been good with math and she gives you so many alternate ways to solve a problem and really makes sure you understand before she moves on.

Favorite aspect of working at Conservation Corps North Bay: His favorite part of working at Conservation Corps North Bay is the connections to other organizations that you make, the thorough training that you receive, and the opportunity for advancement and responsibility. Also, Adam has met and made friends with a lot of good people that he would never have associated with if he hadn’t got this job.

What did corpsmember do before joining Conservation Corps North Bay? He worked in general construction for Top Quality Roofing for six years.

Why he/she joined Conservation Corps North Bay? Adam joined Conservation Corps Nroth Bay to get his education so that he can move on to bigger and better things in his life.

Corpsmembers's future plans: After completing Conservation Corps North Bay's education program, Adam plans on taking two law classes such as Introduction to Law and Criminal Justice and he will complete the police academy and look for work as a police officer.

What life lessons has the corpsmember learned from the experience? Adam has learned to never pass up a good thing and to try as hard as you possibly can at every aspect of your life, especially when you want to give up. Those experiences are the ones that will stick with you for life and he doesn't want those memories to be of him giving up.

How has Conservation Corps North Bay changed your life? Conservation Corps North Bay changed his life by giving him a second chance at a better future. Without this program, he most likely would never have got his diploma.

Any advice for young people wanting to join Conservation Corps North Bay? Just don’t give up. It’s a lot to get used to but if you stick with it, you will adjust and have a chance at a much brighter future.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from this experience? Education and hard work with determination is the key to a happy successful life.