Growing up, Denise LeBeau Bois felt it best to downplay her Native heritage because of reactions she received early in her school life. She also felt judged for being from a divorced family, her mom of Western European ancestry and her father, Cheyenne River Lakota (Sioux). As a result, she had the sense that most people outside her family did not expect her to amount to much. 

In late 2019, when Mechem Frashier, Diné, heard about a virulent coronavirus spreading in the city of Wuhan, China, she paid attention. She knew from her decades-long career as a nurse that viruses like this don’t respect borders and that soon it could be in the United States. She was right. 

It’s a sad reality. Hackers around the globe continuously threaten the computer networks and personal information that individuals, companies, and governments rely on not only to do business but also to deliver everything from health care to the basic water and energy services a functioning society depends on. 

You know the saying: when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has given today’s students a lapful of lemons. Chances are you’re now dealing with unanticipated challenges — and that’s on top of stresses about the health and safety of your family and your community. It’s a good guess that financial worries lead the list. When the familiar world changes suddenly, those who survive and thrive are the ones who learn to pivot and adapt. Here are some strategies for adapting — and making lemonade out of the economic crisis.

A vital facet of the AISES network is its growing number of AISES Professional Chapters. These affiliate organizations offer support and opportunities to members nationwide as they navigate their career paths. The chapters’ ongoing activities and contributions at the local level are the grass-roots foundation of the AISES mission. From serving as role models to helping their communities and organizing professional development events, AISES Professional Chapter members are leading advocates for the advancement of Native students and professionals.

So it’s time to pack for college. It can seem like a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time living away from home. Here are some straightforward steps to help get you started.

You’ve landed a job interview … Now what? Think of it as a mission you have to plan and prepare for, then practice until you’re ready. According to the employment screening company JDP, 70 percent of job applicants practice their interview responses out loud. Taking the time to run through potential answers is one of the best ways to be ready for an interview. 

The world today is full of opportunities, yet it can also be challenging to navigate. When it comes to developing effective coping strategies, Native youth have a deep resource — the traditional knowledge that kept previous generations strong through adversity.

Even before the pandemic hit, more and more employers were allowing staff to work from home, at least occasionally. Working remotely can allow greater flexibility to set your own schedule, reduce commute time, and focus on work with minimal distractions. But don’t get too comfortable — working at home shouldn’t entail balancing your laptop while you relax on the couch. Instead, you’ll want to set up a home office designed to enable you to work comfortably, effectively, and with minimal distractions. Here are a few ways to make sure you can be productive at home.

At some point during your educational career, you’ll need to figure out how to get where you’re going. Enter the academic plan — it’s the map to your educational goals. With a plan, you can see the path you need to take to get where you want to go. Academic plans can be incredibly useful in helping you stay on track, regardless of what comes your way. Since every student is different, every academic plan is too. Here are some ways to create an academic plan that works for you.