My story is that of a nontraditional college student. I attended a state-level college for a few years right after high school, but I did not end up graduating. I then spent 12 years reflecting and developing as a person. I meant to continue my college education, but I was nervous about returning after so long. I was not sure where to apply or how to afford it.
I grew up in a rural community. By not being raised on the reservation, I missed out on some resources, conversations, and lessons. But several times a year, my mother would drive my brother and me to the San Carlos Apache Reservation, where we could enjoy time with our family and tribal nation.
In late 2018 I learned about San Carlos Apache College (SCAC) from my Apache aunt. It had opened only the year before, and I knew instantly in my heart that this was where I would go. I applied in March 2019, and now I plan to graduate in 2023 with associate degrees in business administration and in applied science in business management.
As SCAC is accredited to Tohono O’odham Community College, I am immensely thankful to them. When Covid hit they were able to quickly adjust their courses to online platforms and offer free tuition for students enrolled in federally recognized tribes.
Still, I was worried about learning online. Time management, family interruptions during class, and spotty Wi-Fi were all obstacles I dealt with. I found it difficult to find close connections on online platforms, but I learned to keep searching for people to grow with. I am thankful for the students, staff, and academic organizations that helped me feel included while learning online.
After I earn my associate degrees, I plan to attend a university for a bachelor’s in international studies. My goal after that is to pursue a master’s in public health at UCLA. My career goal is to support economic development for Native communities and provide my community with resources needed for good health.
I heard about these career possibilities through the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, where I am a peer mentor. Last year, I was a mentee of the Asteto’ne Network from the American Indian College Fund, which I learned about through AISES. The tools, resources, and encouragement I’ve received from everyone at AISES helped get me through college. I give thanks to AISES for believing in me as I participate in the 2022 AISES Business and STEM Cohort. I will invest in our tribal communities and, in a full circle, AISES.
That said, I have experienced my share of failure. I applied to the Ohiyesa Premedical Program at Harvard for the summer of 2022. After months of patience, I was excited to learn I was on the waitlist. A waitlist! I was honored. Then after more waiting, I learned I was not accepted. I am entirely happy for the individuals who were accepted — I never thought I would get this far.
By continuously checking Native opportunity websites, I was accepted into the Summer Health Professions Education Program at UCLA, which has given me guidance and resources for finding a path between business and science.
While my biology courses were influential in shaping my academic career, I started at SCAC interested in learning the Ndeh/Southern Athabaskan language. I remember hearing my father’s mother speak Ndeh. Now I aim to practice Ndeh every day of my life, even if it’s just one word — each small effort is part of a larger impact.
I also work as a radio intern at my college. I produce stories that share information on opportunities, scholarships, and resources, both locally and nationally through Spotify, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio. I hope that sharing my story will encourage other students with non-traditional academic paths. Each student matters. Ahi’yi’e.
