Where are you from?
I was born in Klamath Falls, Oregon, but grew up mostly in the Portland and Salem areas.
What drew you to political science and indigenous studies as your fields of interest?
When I was in middle school I realized I really liked the idea of being a lawyer. Participating in class debates and conducting research to support my points was always something I enjoyed. When it came time to choose a major for college, political science seemed like a good place to start before getting a law degree. I knew I could gain valuable information about our government systems and functions. Political science also offers a great way to explore history through our legal system, and why things are the way they are. From monumental Supreme Court cases to the evolutions of political parties, it can all be analyzed to contextualize the world we live in now. That’s something that I find really interesting.
I also knew that I wanted to work with Indigenous communities. I am a member of the Lummi Indian Nation, but am also part Klamath of the Klamath Tribes. I was raised by a great adoptive family that always encouraged me to engage with my tribal heritage, but sometimes it was still hard due to the physical distance between where we lived and my tribal reservations. So working towards an indigenous studies minor is a great way for me to engage with and learn more about my own and other Indigenous cultures.
What has been your experience as a student of both the College of Liberal Arts and the Honors College?
I’m just starting my second year, and so far my experiences with both the College of Liberal Arts and the Honors College have been positive. One of the things I really appreciate about being involved in both is that I have access to multiple advisors and resources to support me. The great thing is that I always know I can reach out to my HC academic advisor for any advice on Honors College courses or the thesis process. On top of that I also have access to my major specific advisor for anything related to my degree.
Have you started your honors thesis? If yes, what’s the topic and/or focus of your research? If not, are you considering any ideas so far?
I have completed the first stage and a half of the thesis process, but have not actually chosen a topic yet. I’m currently working on finding a faculty mentor that can help me solidify my topic ideas. I know that I want my research to be related to the indigenous studies field, so I’ve come up with a couple ideas. I’ve thought about researching intertribal relationships and cooperation within the Pacific Northwest, or even international engagement with tribal communities, but there’s still work to be done to narrow down my topic.
What have been some of your favorite classes taken?
Some of my favorite classes have been Native American Law: Tribes, Treaties, and the U.S. Government (ES 444), as well as Introduction to International Relations (PS 205). I was also lucky enough to do a two week study abroad class in Scotland, led by new media communications Instructor Todd Kesterson, studying Scotland’s heritage and 3D scanning in historic preservation which was amazing.
What are you hoping to do after you graduate?
After I graduate I hope to go to law school. My long term goal is to be a tribal lawyer for Native American tribes and work on cases that support tribal sovereignty and treaty rights.
How do you feel that your experience in CLA and HC is setting you up for success?
I think everything from learning how to manage my schedule to communicating with professors and faculty is setting me up to succeed later in life. Being in the CLA and HC allows me to build essential skills through my day to day experiences as a college student. It also allows me to make connections with people and resources that are familiar with the fields of study I’m hoping to pursue. Ultimately, it will all contribute to meeting my academic and career goals.