American Indian College graduates

An interesting thread was started about what American Indian College graduates contribute to their communities.  I guess from experience the poster had only seen examples of natives who left the reservation, got their education and returned to a big pay raise only to care about their money and not their people.  I for one had to object.  I stated that my goal in life was to make our people more visible in this country, our problems more visible, and our identities seen as “real” people.  I don’t care about how much money I make as long as I can support my family, I like to teach, and I really enjoy the friendships I make with our students at Haskell Indian Nations University.  These students will be our next leaders, and it is such a joy to be able to see them reach that maturity during the educational time we have in college.  I don’t get paid a lot of money, but even if I did, I don’t think the my life would change, because my devotion would be to my family, my students, and all our tribal people.  I know what some people might say, YEAH RIGHT RHONDA….well, I guess I can have this blog thrown in my face if I ever become a nut! For now, I love being an American Indian College graduate, and I do contribute what I can.  I love this time of year, Graduation at Haskell.  It is even more special, because I have some students who I have known since their first semester at Haskell, and they are graduating.  I feel so proud of them! So I want to say Congratulations to the graduates of Haskell Indian Nations University, you guys rock: Chris Marshall, Dandre Dora, Michael Dunaway, Jenn Arthur, and Miciana Hutcherson! Onward Haskell!