Navigating Higher Education
By MAAJIITAAZIIBIIKWE, MARY SAM Mille Lacs Community Member and Dean of Students, Equity and Inclusion at Central Lakes College
As a college administrator I am inspired daily by our students. I am committed to helping shape a college experience, where barriers are reduced and supports are in front of our students. Years ago as a single mom, first generation college student, and just few years into recovery, I remember "not knowing," being afraid of failure and the new path in front of me, called higher education. I wanted something different for my child, but I didn’t know how to start or how to get there. Others provided advice, which to this day has helped me.
As college students seeking a degree, your goal will not only affirm and strengthen your confidence and identity, but will also pave the way for our children and grandchildren to see themselves as learners, providers, and helpers to build a healthier community. We have all been inspired by someone and we can offer that same inspiration to others. Being a college student is hard work and it is rewarding.
As we approach mid-terms, followed by finals week, many students feel additional stress, sometimes feel overwhelmed. Some are concerned about the day-to-day juggling, whether it be dealing with the significant losses our community has been experiencing, juggling day-care or children’s schooling, working part or fulltime, managing your own health, caring for other family members, for some, focusing on sobriety and recovery and the list can go on. Below is a list of college success tips, that we hope will get you through mid-terms, finals, and help you achieve your graduation, and then employment goals.
You can do this, we believe in you.
Keep in mind:
• 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’
Letting your brilliance shine is ok!
Self-care and more
• It’s ok to ‘not know’. For most of us, navigating college resources is a new experience. It is important to get the answers, which is up to us.
• Set a goal and career plan. Be easy on yourself as this may change as you explore the new opportunities in front of you
If you are living on campus, visit family as able, via facetime if possible. Can your family send you a care package with some traditional foods or other items?
• Attend community cultural activities, ceremonies, within your college community, smudge
• Embrace your identity. Incorporate your perspectives into your class assignments
• Participate in a student club, activities like yoga, mental health events
• During mid-terms and finals, practice all of the above remember to breathe, talk to others and reach out
• Practice time management, find a study space that works for you
• Accessing college resources and knowing its ok to ask for help
• Connect with your college advisor early and often! Know class drop and add deadlines.
• Meet with financial aid staff early, there are many scholarships 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 Program serving men and women, starting over in life
• TRIO Programs: serves first generation, low-income and students with disability
• Accessibility Services: provides accommodations for students with a disability, including mental health issues
• Adult Basic Education
• Sober support- recovery supports, mental health sup- ports (telepsychiatry, health centers on campus)
• LGBTQ supports and ally’s
• Ask for help, utilize tutors, writing tutors, alumni, education division staff at MLB, peer to peer supports
Self-advocacy
• 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 Syllabus and what the expectations are
• Check your email everyday
• Communicate clearly and respectfully, even when frustrated and document any concerns
• Come to class 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 in- structor and ask their advice on how you can be more success- ful 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.
