DON'T WAIT — BE COLLEGE READY

By MAAJIITAAZIIBIIKWE, MARY SAM

Making the decision to attend a college or university is a big decision. For some, completing all the steps to begin college comes easily; for others, it can create fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. Preparing for college involves a lot of paperwork. For many of us, we didn’t have people in our lives that could show us or walk us through those first steps embarking on a new path in education. The MLB Scholarship Program is ready to help and provide the support and direction to help you along the way. Meeting with your college advisor early ensures success. Getting started early and being prepared will help you be a successful college student.

First steps to becoming a college student:

1. Find a school and create a plan with an end result (a degree or diploma) in mind. The college or university must be accredited.

2. Apply early to the school and get accepted, and then send your acceptance letter to MLB Scholarship and Career Counselor Michele Berger at 320-532-4775 or MLB.Scholarships@millelacsband.com. Mille Lacs Band Scholarship Program offers financial support to Band members and first-line descendants who will be full-time students (12 credits), but can also offer funding to assist part-time students.

3. Apply for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) early! This will require that you have completed your IRS taxes, as they need documentation of earned income. If you are unable to complete a FAFSA due to a “financial hold,” talk with Michele to explore options. Work with your college to work out a payment plan, discuss loan forgiveness, or explore the option of a settlement. Explore additional college scholarships.

4. Meet with a college advisor to explore degree options, courses and then get registered for your classes. Lean on them and ask lots of questions. It really is ok to not know and to ask. College is about learning to ask for help, taking risks and be challenged.

5. Purchase your books and any course supplies so you are prepared on day one of class.

6. Attend any new student orientation sessions. Be informed and be prepared.

7. Tour the campus, know where to park, find your classrooms.

Our traditional knowledge and teachings can serve as our foundation in all that we do. We all carry with us the strength and resiliency of our ancestors. College is an opportunity to start over. And remember, letting your brilliance shine is okay. We believe in you.

Accessing college resources:

• Connect with your college advisor early and often. Know class drop and add deadlines.

• Meet with financial aid staff early; there are many scholarship and work study opportunities.

• Register for the right classes. Find success early. Take a class or two that will help you build confidence your first semester of college. Take Ojibwe or cultural classes to meet other students and feel a sense of belonging.

• Build relationships: Connect with a diversity center, Native Resource Center, or Native staff. Find a mentor.

• Meta 5 Family Resiliency Programs for individuals starting over in life, whether that be from incarceration, treatment, divorce, separation, loss of a job, or a death of a partner/spouse.

• TRIO Programs: For students who are first generation, students with a disability, or a student of color.

• Accessibility Services: If you are a student with a disability, which includes mental health diagnoses, you are likely able to receive accommodations.

• Find Adult Basic Education services on campus to provide additional support and tools.

• Sober support: Recovery support, mental health support (telepsychiatry, health centers on campus).

• LGBTQ supports and allies on campus.

• Utilize tutors, writing tutors, alumni, peer-to-peer supports.

• Self-advocate.

• Surround yourself with others who want to set and reach their goals.

• Get to know your faculty and Dean of Students.

• Know how to read your class syllabus and what the expectations are for completing the class.

• Check your email every day.

• Communicate clearly and respectfully, even when frustrated, and document any concerns.

• Come to class on time, be prepared, be engaged, use your voice — verbally or in writing.

• Put your phone down; don’t let yourself be distracted.

• Write down the questions you want to ask your instructor; ask their advice on how you can be more successful in their class; go to the instructor’s office during their office hours.

• Practice positivity and gratitude for the opportunity in front of you. Know you are strong and capable.

• Be bold and be brave. Become a campus leader. Keep your eye on your goal!

• Remember the work we put in now will impact the next generation.

Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Scholarship Program student checklist:

What you need for the Higher Education Application

• Consent for Release of Confidential Information

• Authorization for Agreement of Terms

• Student Education Plan (SEP); requires both student and academic advisor signatures

• Assignment of Per Cap Distribution Funds Form (Band members) OR Promissory Note (first-generation descendants)

• Class schedule and syllabus

• Tuition and fees billing statement (students on trial quarter and/or part-time status) Online internet class requirements:

• Acceptance Letter (new students only)

• Semester/quarter grades (returning students only)

• Forms may be downloaded at: https://millelacsband. com/government/resources1/scholarship

Additional funding sources:

• Minnesota Office of Higher Education-Minnesota Indian Scholarship Program Liaison, Lara Gerhardson at 651-259-3939 or https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg. cfm?pageID=149.

• Minneapolis Workforce Program, Minneapolis American Indian Center, Career Counselor, Vicky Reyes at vreyes@MAICNET.org, 612-554-2359. Provides financial assistance to Native technical program students in the 71-county area, including Brainerd, but not students who reside within Reservation boundaries.

• American Indian College Fund at https://collegefund. org/students/scholarships/