Returning to Virginia Peninsula Community College so soon after graduating in 2020 didn’t cross Erika Moore’s mind. But an opportunity too good to ignore brought her back five years later, and today she guides others along the path she once walked.
In September, Moore became a Gator Pathway to Success (GPS) coach at VPCC’s Historic Triangle Campus in Williamsburg. She also supports the Single Stop program, which connects students with essential resources, including emergency funds, food assistance, housing, and healthcare. Additionally, Moore assists at the food pantry in her new role.
The transition from student to staff member brings a mix of emotions.
“It’s been exciting and overwhelming,” she said, adding the familiarity is comforting. “Of course, some of the faculty, when I was here, aren’t here. (Those) who are here have been so excited. It’s kind of heartwarming. Man, it shows I really had a family here during my time.”
It’s a fitting return for someone who enjoyed a successful student experience at the College, thanks to another resource that provides support and guidance. For Moore, that resource was TRiO Student Support Services, a federally funded program that serves students enrolled in transfer programs who are either first-generation, income-eligible as defined by the U.S. Department of Education or have a documented disability.
Her time at VPCC opened the door to self-discovery. Along the way, she found confidence and community through not only TRiO, in which she served as a peer mentor, but also the National Society of Leadership and Success.
“I would say, TRiO shaped my journey the most,” she said. “With TRiO, I tried to be as informed and as connected as possible. It definitely helped me grow a lot more … shaped me in the way of really focusing on my learning.”
Moore majored in social science while at VPCC. She said the program offered diverse courses that fit her needs for transferring as she considered her bachelor’s degree options.
“VPCC gave me the chance to figure things out,” she said. “What made me come to Virginia Peninsula was a mix of I wasn’t sure of what to do, and the fear that I would get rejected by the school where I was going to apply. But I definitely wouldn’t change how it went.”
After receiving an associate degree in social science in 2020, the Tabb High School graduate transferred to George Mason University, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Game Design. While at the university, Moore continued building upon the skills she developed as a peer mentor at VPCC and now uses in her current position. Her love for helping others grew when she became a teaching assistant for the Mason Academy of Technology. She mentored students as they explored programming and art.
She hasn’t left art behind, although she’s in another field. It’s what she does to unwind in her downtime. She enjoys creating digital artwork and even drew a rendering of the layout she wanted for her VPCC office. Moore admits she’ll never outgrow her love for art, but she’s devoting energy now to learning and growing in her new job.
Moore blends her passion for personal connection with her commitment to student success in her role as a GPS coach. While advisers help students pick classes, she explained, coaches focus on other aspects of the college experience. She helps students refine soft skills, including setting goals, balancing schedules and building confidence.
“I want to be that helping hand for students who might be struggling,” said Moore.
She has no doubt that coaching, along with her efforts assisting with Single Stop, will make an impact on students.
“If we can take some of that stress off their plate,” she emphasized, “they can focus more on learning and less on surviving.”
Now, mere months into the new job, she hopes to bring more energy and awareness to VPCC’s quieter Historic Triangle campus in Williamsburg.
“I notice students tend to stay in their own bubbles, just like I did when I was in school,” she said. “I want them to know I’m here, that there are people and resources ready to help.”
Her motivation runs deep, stemming from a hurtful childhood encounter. She recalls a teacher telling her she wouldn’t amount to anything or achieve anything. That experience stays with Moore and drives her desire to empower others.
“That hits personally,” she said, trailing off. “No one should be told that, and that’s what drives me to want to help students. I don’t want anyone to feel how I felt at a young age. It still affects me today and (it’s) why I’m a little shy.”
“So, if I can help someone who may be currently going through it, or if they’re struggling … no one should be told you can’t have success,” she added.
Returning to VPCC feels like a homecoming. Familiar faces have greeted her with excitement, and the sense of belonging she once found as a student is her inspiration as a coach.
“To be back here, helping students, it’s like coming full circle.”