Roselynne is from the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana. A freshman at a Montana tribal college, she is pursuing a degree in Native American Studies and then a master’s to teach at the college level and inspire others as a person and a leader. Roselynne was inspired to Native studies by Virginia Allery, Ph.D., who taught the subject at the tribal college in Roselynne’s home town. “How big our culture plays in our lives, I think that’s what grabbed my interest in this field,” Roselynne told us.

“Getting a laptop will help me in school. I’ll be able to stay in my dorm and have a lot of information all in one place. I’m grateful to receive this and am glad I took advantage of opportunities like this and the AIEF scholarship.” In thinking about the connection between heritage and education, Roselynne shared, “The main factor for me is to become a better person for my family and my people. I get sad at the thought of my reservation sometimes, and I want to do something about it. I feel that my focus on tribal historic preservation will bring out the cultural side on my reservation and help get them on a better footing.”

Andrea is from Zia Pueblo in New Mexico. A freshman at a Kansas University, she is pursuing a degree in Elementary Education and hopes to return to her home reservation after college to teach the children and prevent high dropout rates. She feels that as a tribal citizen keeping the tradition and culture alive in her community is important.

“The laptop will help me get ahead on my assignments. I wouldn’t have to wait for an open computer in the study room of my dorm, after the library is closed. It will also give me an advantage with turning in assignments online and taking notes in class.” Andrea shared that education and heritage are connected for her. “Both heritage and education represent a chance to learn. They are also connected to me by the importance of what both can do in my life. They connect in ways that make me a better person.”

Hunter is from the Navajo Nation in Arizona. A freshman and first-generation student (first in his family to attend college), he has three sisters and two brothers at home. Warren is pursuing a doctoral degree in Pharmacy and plans to help indigenous and non-indigenous people fight diabetes, obesity and other health issues. He shared with us, “We are very rich in our culture and we believe in all of the sacred traditions. All I hope for is for the U.S. to be healthy and happy.”

Hunter feels the laptop will help him avoid late hours at school, as well as the 45-minute drive each way late at night or early in the morning just to access a computer and turn in all his work on time. He shared, “It’s tiring for me. So, having a laptop I can come home to will be very helpful to me and a great benefit in my schoolwork.” Hunter sees a connection between heritage and education, in that he will inherit all the knowledge taught by his professors, much as he did the knowledge taught through his heritage and tribe. “I’ll be able to use my heritage for success in education, and once learned,” he says, “I’ll be able to use my education to make my own path and honor my heritage as well.”

Myah is from the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota. A freshman and first-generation student, Myah is a direct descendant of Lakota Mnicoujou Chief Tasunka Luta (Red Horse). She is studying Political Science and American Indian Studies.

“The laptop will give me access to online assignments, D2L, web advisor, and emails. So, I will be better able to keep up with the pace of my classes, as I am currently taking 17 credit hours.” Myah shares, “Education and heritage are connected for me in almost every aspect, they go hand in hand. We as First Nations Peoples have to do more than the average person to pursue an education, so we can continue to exist. If we are not educated about what has, is, and will happen to us, we will have no voice to represent ourselves.”

Deedra is from the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. A freshman and first-generation student, Deedra was inspired to attend college by her mother and father and the daily challenges they continue to face. She told us, “The way I look at my future, I want to do more for myself by getting an education, and then bring back to my parents my accomplishments.” Deedra is pursuing a degree in Biology, and then planning for Pre-Med and will ultimately become a doctor so she can give back to her community that which has been given to her.

“The laptop will mostly help me with my homework, with taking notes in class, and also with doing assignments between classes at school. I will also be able to do my studies on my laptop, during visits home to see my family,” Deedra is finding a connection between education and heritage in that her college has so many helpful programs, as well as a great diversity of tribes represented by the Native students attending the school.”