Physics is entirely driven by the curiosity of people who do it because they love it. It’s an incredible way of exploring and thinking about the universe. Math and physics come together in satisfying ways. I like to open my textbooks, sit there, read them for hours, and do the math in a textbook to see if I can get it right. It’s a very gratifying process. 

I grew up on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in a family that has always had a connection to our community. It’s a large part of why I want to become a doctor and get my master’s in public health: I want to serve my community and be a part of it in an even greater aspect. Now, I’m a first-year senior at Northern Arizona University (NAU), on a five-year track with NAU’s Interdisciplinary Global Program (I’m in my fourth year studying at Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan), majoring in biomedical sciences and comparative cultural sciences.

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 have always been captivated by the intricate nature of living things. Growing up in a small rural township in Northern Ontario, I would spend time wandering the bush and exploring nature. All the nearby farmers knew me because I would visit their animals. I thought it was the coolest thing that the cows would come when I mooed at them. 

I grew up in Montclair, Va., which I like to think of as a perfect 
balance. Located right off the Potomac River, Montclair is perfectly in the middle of a suburban area and a very rural area. It’s extremely humid during 
the summer and snowy in winter, and I could explore nature by fishing and 
hiking. I could also make trips to the city and visit any sites.

After some time away, it can be hard to get back into the swing of academic life. It can be helpful to take some time at the beginning of the semester to situate yourself and ensure you’re ready for what the next few months of classes will bring. Here are a few ways to set yourself up for successful semester. 
 
Plan, Plan, Plan

College can be an amazing experience, with tons of new friends, new activities, and new foods to try. At the same time, it can be overwhelming trying to balance a busy schedule and a healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating habits are important throughout your life, but especially during college when late-night cramming sessions and a full calendar can easily cause you to deviate from a balanced plan. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy diet.

Going to college may be the first time that you are spending a significant amount of time away from your family. It can be hard adjusting to this new normal, where everything is different. Between new schedules, friends, classes, and extracurriculars, college can be overwhelming. Being away can also make it hard to follow your Native traditions. But don’t let this new world keep you from staying connected to your culture. Here are a few ways to follow your Native traditions at college.
 
Choose a School that Supports Your Native Identity

Time management. It sounds simple, but as a busy college student, it may not be easy to put it into practice. Between studying, going to class, extracurriculars, working, and trying to connect with other students, it often seems as if there isn’t enough time in the day. Don’t let poor time management overwhelm you or keep you from making the most of your college experience. Here are a few tips to help you master time management.
 
Use a Planner

The AISES National Conference is just around the corner! From October 6–8, 2022, you’ll have the opportunity to join Indigenous STEM professionals and students from all across the United States and Canada. The three days are jam-packed with plenty of opportunities to network and learn about work being done by fellow students. With so much going on, it might seem overwhelming, so here are a few ways to help you prepare for the conference.