Haskell Indian Nations University Top Questions

I have experienced a whole new understand of life throughout my college experience. I never realized how rewarding it is to continue your education and broaden your horizon. I used to see school as a burden and too stressful for me to worry about, until I decided to make the change and try it for myself. College has given me a much more open mind to learning new things and to challenge myself in ways I never thought possible. College has also given me another reason to be proud of myself and proud of the achievements I am able to make. To find a new grasp of self-confidence, and self worth is so hard to find these days, but college has done this for me. Even though throughout my college experience I have complained, pulled all nighters, procrastinated, and even yelled at my dog because I do not understand an assignment, it is all worth it! I still have a ways until the end of my journey, but am excited to see what other changes college has in store for my future and me.

I have learned that not everyone comes from the same place. I also learned that you need to be mindful and respectful to different cultures. I grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and was limited to many opportunities; jobs, extra curricular activites, meeting new friends from different cultures, city life, etc. Allowing me to experience city life opened my eyes up to different opportunites such as job placement and networking with other educational figures. I highly recommend college for every high school student.

I've gotten a real sense of who I am as Native American woman. I am inspired by just how many Native American women have their degrees and are making a difference in today's society. I know how important it is for me to be an example for the young children in my Lakota tribe. I will take back what I've learned here and show them that there is a better way and that there is a univeristy for Native Americans to strive and become better people. I am learning that more Native Americans need degrees so we can be counted in today's workplaces, schools, hospitals, etc. We have a voice that needs to be heard and traditions that have been passed down through many generations that can help in today's world. This is way I am so happy that I chose to attend Haskell. The values of respect, love, honor, and honesty have been taught in Native American families for a long time. We try and live our lives according to these values, and Haskell shows us how to live by them as young adults. It has prepared me for my future as an educator.

In my few years at Haskell Indian Nations University I have acheived many things and am still learning today. Initially i thought that college would make me an expert in some field and my learning process would be finished. However I am now at the conclusion that the more I learn the more i realize what I don't know. We live in an information age and it can become confusing at times but I feel Haskell has given me a sense of clarity to information. Meaning, I am able to systematical analyze the many messages I see in my community and properly react and adjust accordingly. The greatest gift I have been given at college would have to be from one of my professors who gave me the academic tools to think critically. If one thinks critically he/she can do most anything in the professional circuit. I am thankful for my professors and my tribe for helping me succeed in college and I plan on attending grad-school after I receive my bachelors in the upcoming year.

I helped establish the first sorority on my campus. I am a cheerleader for my university and I love it. I am also a part of AIBL (American Indian Business Leader). My campus has offered me a chance to get closer with my cultural background. It has made me meet a lot of friends that have come from the same background as me. I love my campus but I know it has it flaws. I want to be there to solve the problems and make it a better place.

Getting to know people is hard, but just put yourself out there. Living in the dorms can be a difficult adjustment, so just get to know your dormmate and work out some rules. Go to class!! That's an important one, I learned the hard way. Eat in the cafeteria, also, because it is much cheaper than eating out. Just try to find that balance between work, school, and a social life. It's hard, but you can do it!

If I were allowed to go back in time to talk to myself as a high school senior; I would tell myself that I really need to make the decision on were I go to college. It's not our parents choice to make that decision, you'll regret it later. Another is I would tell myself would be that stay true to yourself and make mistakes that's how we grow into we are. Don't hold back on doing something just because you may get in trouble, that's a problem we've always had. Other than that I'm still learning I may have more to tell myself once I'm total finished with college but those are the only two that have really shaped my college experience thus far.

If I could go back in time and speak to myself, I would stress the importance of a college education. In high school that was not something that I valued very highly, so now that I know, I would stress that to my hypothetical self. Another thing that I would say to myself would be to be confident that you could do it. Like I said before, I was diagnosed with a learning disability when I was young, so thoughts of going to college never crossed my mind. Now that I know I can do it, I would definitely share that information. I am extremely proud of the accomplishments that I have made so far in college, and I think that it would be important to share how fulfilling it really is.

The advice that I would give myself is to not let anythting destroy my passion for learning. I had a very rough senior year. My two nephews came to live with us the summer before. It was one stressful year. I was so close to just staying home and getting a job and help take care of my nephews. But I decided that my future was too bright to let myself do that to myself. I just need the help in acheiving that goal.

Sarah please choose your friends carefull you never know who is going to be true and honest. Yes, beer is delicious but please wait to experience all of the flavors until your junior year. Please talk to professors if you are struggling with the course or life in general they will work with you more than you think. There really isn't a stupid question who cares what other kids think this is your life not theirs. Yes daydreaming of the boy that sits next to you in Algebra is great but it will get you a C so stay focused on that A. Drinking too much although fun will either lead to throwing up, missing class or the dreadful feeling of regret so do it in moderation. I wish I would have has this knowledge my freshman year, but I do love the person I am so maybe all my mistakes have made me the creative and inspired person that I am.