Native American, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian college students came to the Tempe campus over the summer to participate in the 2010 Graduate Horizons workshop, designed to encourage these students to attend graduate school.
This marked the first time ASU hosted the program, which started seven years ago and travels to different states. ASU hosted the workshop to provide first-generation college students with tips about being successful in school and work.
Seventy students and 55 faculty members — including American Indian educators and representatives — attended the event in July.
Arizona is home to 21 tribes and more than a quarter-million Native Americans.
Human communications senior Cher Thomas participated in Graduate Horizons and said she frequently speaks to her peers as Ms. Indian ASU, educating them on her culture’s roots.
Thomas said she proudly wears her crown and goes to different events to inspire and help other Native American students.
At the workshop, she performed the Yuman Bird Dance, a dance that is part of the Yuman culture and represents nature. Thomas’ heritage consists of several different tribes from Arizona.
Thomas expressed how crucial it is for people to celebrate their unique traditions. Customs bind people to their families and communities, she said.
“As ASU students, it’s very easy to lose sight of our traditions and cultures, but what's incredible about our University is that our many cultures are celebrated,” Thomas said. “Forums do exist within our University to celebrate our individual cultures.”
ASU also offers the Native American Achievement Program for American Indian students on campus.
The program helps freshmen and sophomore students excel in academics, as well as providing mentoring and encouragement for students to finish college and go to graduate school.
Program coordinator Aaron Woods said the program is geared primarily toward students in their first years of college and encourages them to pursue graduate school.
This year, Woods said he hopes the program will have an even greater impact on the students.
Leaders hold events year-round to support and encourage students, he said.
Woods said he wants to reach out to all Native students and help them make a smooth transition into college, adding that building students’ confidence is extremely important, especially when considering graduate school options.
Woods also emphasized the importance of students bonding and sharing experiences about their cultures.
“When you stray from your background, there is a certain sense of emptiness,” he said. “As a native, our ancestors have survived hardship, war and imprisonment — I don’t want to take anything for granted.”
Nursing junior Patrice Peshlaki was involved with Native American Achievement Program her freshman and sophomore years.
In these first two years of college, Peshlaki said she learned tips about how to stay organized, take tests and prepare for the future.
“All of us had different beliefs and ideas, but we were drawn together due to our culture,” she said.
Reach the reporter at khillhou@asu.edu
