Amy Black and Olives Erickson.
On a rainy day in Portland, the Moda Center buzzed with excitement as Portland State University celebrated the 2023 Commencement. Among the graduates, a mother and daughter duo stood out as a testament to determination and familial support.
Amy Black received her master’s degree in social work. Earlier in the day, her daughter Olives Erickson earned her bachelor of science in history with a minor in medieval studies. Their simultaneous graduation from PSU marked a significant milestone in their lives, exemplifying the power of education and their bond with one another.
Both Amy and Olives chose Portland State as their next step after earning their associate degrees at Mt. Hood Community College. A passion for helping others inspired Amy, and she saw PSU as a place that aligned with her career goals in social work. Olives wanted to pursue a degree that allowed her to follow her love of learning. History seemed like the perfect fit for her academic pursuits.
Amy and Olives leaned on each other for support throughout their college journey. From proofreading papers to offering deadline reminders and bouncing ideas off one another, they provided encouragement during challenging times and celebrated each other’s successes. The support they gave one another was a catalyst in their academic achievements and helped strengthen their bond.
“Parents don’t always get access to their child’s interests and social groups. Being in college together allowed us to connect outside our history as mother and daughter,” said Amy. “Olives was able to see me as more than a mom — that I have my own thoughts and ideas.”
The two shared countless memorable moments that shaped their college experience. Lunches at Rogue Hall were a chance to relax and laugh with a cohort of friends from MHCC. Amy fixing a broken smoke detector helped Olives learn to live independently.
“This was a dream for myself, Olives and our family. We both choose to put our academics on the front burner,” said Amy.
While they had a lot of support on the homefront, both found support on campus as well. Resources like SHAC and the QRC became safe spaces for the pair, and Olives frequented the pool at Campus Rec to help clear her mind.
As they embark on new chapters in their lives, Amy and Olives will remain close — just “two car songs away,” to be exact. Olives and her husband are looking for a place of their own while she tries to find a job in her field, and Amy plans on continuing her career in social work. No matter what their futures hold, the pair’s simultaneous graduation from Portland State is a testament to their determination and close-knit bond and highlights the opportunities that PSU can offer families of all backgrounds.