Rachel Davis
AISES Undergraduate
My nation has made possible all of my educational and personal achievements, it is only that I acknowlege that before I proceed. I grew up in Wisconsin many miles from my family back in Kansas. I did not go on the college path right away and I sought for guidance through travel. I traveled from West to East Coast with a Stockbridge/Onedia man, we stopped along the way to see many things of "historical signifigance" the battlefields and ceremonial grounds of our past. Through time his family became my family and I learned many things that I was missing before. Since I have been at UWSP AIRO/AISES members have also become my family and I am learning new things from our Advisors and our members some of which are very traditional. Yet it is not just traditional knowlege that has gotten me in touch with my Native Identity but just the everyday aspects and struggles I was not aware of not growing up on the rez. What I hope to accomplish through my education is a better understanding of myself. I also want to have practical knowlege and in turn use that with my imagination, in collaboration with other young Natives for a chance to make an impact. |