My parents — both teachers — made sure I knew the value of my education and my culture. I grew up in Boyertown, Penn., far from my family in Oklahoma, but staying connected to my community in the Comanche Nation was an essential part of my life. We would often spend summers in Oklahoma, where I was immersed in our culture and traditions. 

If you’re like most students, you’re not exactly looking forward to the high stakes college application process. How do you write the perfect essay? How do you share with reviewers everything you want them to know about you? Will sharing your Native heritage help make your application stand out? Here are some tips for telling your Native story on a college application.