Growing up on the Navajo Nation, it’s common to know someone without access to electricity. For me, this includes my great-grandmother, who lives in Black Mesa, Arizona. I grew up in Window Rock, the capital of the Navajo Nation. So as a child, I would often wonder why we had electricity and she didn’t. These types of questions led me to experiment with small circuits and electronics. From then on, I’ve had an interest in electronics and learning how things work — and finding their application to real-world problems. 

I distinctly remember growing up without ever seeing a Native dentist, doctor, or athlete. As a result, I never pictured myself growing into one of those roles. But somewhere along the way, I realized that I could do it. Now, in my senior year at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), I’m working on a dual degree in chemistry and American Indian studies — on my way to becoming the person I never saw: a Native American dentist.

My dad always told me that education is the key to getting where I wanted to go. My mom was the same way — she told me to study hard. And I listened. We were always a very close, very tight-knit family. I grew up on the Forest County Potawatomi (FCP) Reservation in northern Wisconsin. My dad, who’s Forest County Potawatomi, moved there in 2004 for a job with the FCP. Forest County is a beautiful rural area, with tall green trees and the nearest big town an hour away.

What's new — and what's not — in college admissions

Admissions officers say some things will never change, but applying to college these days does have a few new wrinkles. Like the move many universities in the U.S. are making away from requiring standardized test scores. Or the states that are short-cutting the application process for top-ranked graduating seniors. Or grade inflation at some high schools, which compromises the reliability of a GPA as a predictor of academic success. 

Here’s how to get ready for Milwaukee

The newly chartered American Indian Academy of Denver (AIAD) and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) successfully held an afterschool computer science event on August 26 at the Denver Indian Center. 

Here’s how to navigate the “real world” with confidence

Not getting the grades you want? Follow these tips to get your academic progress on track

Here’s how to navigate the “real world” with confidence

Highlight your experience and strengths and stand out from the crowd