I am Water’s Edge born for Red Running into Water. My maternal grandfather’s first clan is Mexican Clan, and my paternal grandfather’s first clan is Water’s Edge Clan. In this way, I am a Navajo woman.
I grew up in rural Thoreau, N.M. I like that it’s not crowded. I like that even though it’s in the desert, we experience all four seasons. I live with my parents and my twin sister, Alyssa, who is also starting college online this fall. My family has always told me not to strive in my education for them, but to do it for myself. They gave me a lot of support along the way and pushed me to focus on my education — sometimes in a way that felt a little too strict. They’d say, “Always study, do your homework the same day it gets assigned, and review your notes for at least three hours.” But then again, I’m fortunate that I have both my parents pushing me to become better for myself.
I went to the Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, N.M. It’s about two hours from my hometown, so I stayed on campus during the week and took the bus home on weekends. There was a lot of pressure to do well and get into college, both from my parents and from my peers. This made for an especially difficult senior year. I had a lot of work to do for my classes — I was a full diploma International Baccalaureate (IB) candidate — as well as my duties as the senior class secretary.
I have Ms. Flores to thank for helping me get through high school. She was my mentor, and consistently valued the students who want to have a STEM career. She pushed me to do better in my science projects and to travel to STEM events where I started to branch out and make connections I know will help me in my future plans.
I joined AISES in my junior year, and went to my first AISES National Conference senior year. Meeting new people from different tribes was so fun, especially when I had to venture out on my own during the college fair and talk with school representatives. Through AISES I found out about scholarships such as the Cobell Scholarship, which I was very fortunate to receive. I also enjoyed the opportunity to meet with the Council of Elders. Talking with them and hearing their different perspectives reminded me of when I would ask my grandparents for advice.
This is my first year at Washington State University. So far I’m doing well, but it’s been a struggle to discipline myself to work online. Sometimes I think that I push myself too hard, because I’ll work for a full day, starting early in the morning and ending late at night. My mindset is to get it done now, so I can have other days free.
I’ve enjoyed biology lab, where I’m sociable with my lab group. It’s nice talking to classmates and working through the lab. I’m looking forward to whenever we get to be on campus. I’d like to join other Native groups as well as have internships and jobs that help me on my career path.
I always knew I wanted to be in STEM. At first, I wanted to be a medical doctor, but I realized during a college visit at the University of New Mexico that I want to work toward a doctorate in pharmacy. I have a strong interest in how medications work for people, and hearing what pharmacists do intrigued me. I’m interested in learning the hows and whys of medicine.
I know that I want a bright future and that I want to help people — more importantly, help my people. That’s what keeps me motivated. I know that I have to leave home to learn, so that I can return home and be fully prepared. I know that I can do this if I push myself.
