Indigo Eriksen, AACC Faculty of the Year Nominee, Talks Teaching and Advocacy

Indigo Eriksen has more than 12 years of teaching experience in the community college setting. Her teaching journey began at Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC), NOVA’s sister school, where she taught for two years before joining the ranks of NOVA faculty. With NOVA for the past 10 years, Indigo is a steadfast supporter of her colleagues and a passionate champion for her students. Read on to learn more about Indigo, in her own words. 

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
I’m a poet and a backpacker, originally from Colorado. My father was a mechanic and finished high school with his GED. My mother had me at a very young age — while she was still in high school — and she’s always inspired me because she continued her education at a nearby community college. She was able to achieve that success because of a state policy; at that time in Colorado, you could go to college for free if you maintained a certain GPA. My mom continued her education, eventually becoming an accountant and then a financial analyst.

Despite our financial struggles, my mom shielded me from the reality of government assistance and housing during my early years. When I was 13, my mom and I moved to Virginia with my retired grandparents. Attending high school in the Shenandoah Valley certainly changed the trajectory of my life; I went to a small high school where most of my classmates knew each other and I felt connected to my teachers.

My educational journey has been an adventure, taking me from earning a bachelor’s degree in Oregon to exploring Romania, Hungary, Texas, Mexico and Guatemala. In Latin America, I spent almost three years advocating for human rights and environmental justice, forming valuable connections with artists, activists and musicians.

I eventually went on to earn an M.F.A. in writing at Mills College, followed by a second master’s degree in comparative literature at San Francisco State University. I also earned a certificate in immigrant literacies. After being accepted to a Ph.D. program and then denied financial aid, I came back to Virginia to live in my grandparents’ basement. That’s when I started working as an adjunct professor at Blue Ridge Community College.

When I saw that NOVA was hiring for a full-time position, I was delighted to apply. Once I knew that Northern Virginia was home, I applied to a Ph.D. program here. It feels like so much time has flown by in these past 12 years. Now I’m about to defend my dissertation at George Mason University.

How do you feel about being recognized for the AACC award, and what does it mean to you? 
It is overwhelming to be a nominee, and to be recognized, because I know so many other colleagues are just as committed to our students. To me, it feels unreal. I am grateful to my students, who are the center of my work.

Prior to this, my only recognition was as a SCHEV award nominee. Before that, it was for driving twice to Santa Fe, New Mexico, to adopt my dogs — an experience covered by a local news reporter! Now I feel seen and supported; I have what I call a “sunshine folder” filled with letters of support from colleagues and community partners. Awards are cool, but the respect and community of my colleagues are the real prize.

Special appreciation goes to Dr. Chang, for believing in me and being an optimistic supporter, and Kristy Balbuena, who works tirelessly for all the nominees, along with AVP Jen Daniels.

I want to also acknowledge Karen Murph, the co-leader on my backpacking projects. Shoutouts are due, too, to Provost Richmond Hill; Dean David Epstein; Associate Dean Stephanie J. Harm; Denny Bausch; and my original mentor, Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo; along with all the other rowdy pirates at the Woodbridge Campus. Each one of these people has played a vital role in my journey, and I am truly thankful. Aida Campos, Reuben Chavez and Crystal Zavala are three former students who have become family.

Tell us how working with students has been impactful for you.
My students have taught me so much about teaching — and also about being a compassionate human and how to have transparent conversations. My students have taught me that, just as writing is not a solitary act, neither is teaching. Then and now, my students and I co-create their learning space as they strengthen their college writing and research skills by putting their ideas into practice.

What kind of an impact do you want to have through your work?  
I take great pride in being part of an institution where my colleagues are deeply committed to their students and to their own ongoing learning. The shared dedication to the sacred act of teaching unites and motivates us. It’s important to me that my peers receive the recognition they deserve, as I advocate for equity and justice for all of us connected to this community college.

Submitted by:
Hoang Nguyen, Assoc. Director of External Comms., HDNguyen@nvcc.edu