By Travis Tafolla
Haskell Indian Nations University gives Native Americans from all around the United States opportunities to evolve in the world. I got the chance to speak with two students here on campus about the effects that Haskell has had on their lives and how it helped shape their careers.
“I’d probably be going to school in my home state, Arizona,” said Taryn Tsosie, a sophomore here at Haskell. Taryn is from Tuba City, Arizona, and is from the Navajo Tribe. “I’d probably be stressed about life if I never came here. The reason why I came was because I was still trying to figure out my career. But the time I spent here made me realize what I wanted to do. Being at Haskell also gave me time to afford things & save up money. Now, I can afford a better college when I pursue my bachelor’s degree. And I’m able to afford the tuition and overall just be more prepared for life.”
I also got the chance to interview Dionte Ballantine, a sophomore at Haskell; Ballantine said, “Haskell has given me the chance to become closer to my Native American roots. I didn’t grow up in a Native household, so this was a big opportunity for me to learn more about my culture. I didn’t have a great GPA in high school, but thankfully, this college has given me the opportunity to continue going to school. If I didn’t come here, I’d probably be at home studying for IT or in the military.”
Dionte also mentioned that he loves Haskell’s community, pow-wows, fundraisers, and events that the school holds. I think it is certain that Haskell can positively impact students’ lives & bring them closer to the goals that they want to maintain. Not only that, but the school gives students the opportunity to learn more about the culture & be surrounded by positive energy.
