Hello! My name is Alysah Rose Mykal Carpenter. I am proud to be a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe of Oklahoma, with my Cheyenne heritage coming from my father and my Arapaho roots from my mother. Embracing both sides of my heritage is a deeply meaningful aspect of my identity, and I take great pride in honoring my cultural background. In addition to my studies, I have the privilege of serving as the student representative for The Indian Leader newspaper. This role is one I hold with immense pride and responsibility, as it allows me to contribute to a platform that allows Indigenous voices and stories. Being a part of this long-standing publication not only connects me to a broader community but also allows me to engage deeply with the issues and narratives that matter most to our people.
I began my journey at Haskell Indian Nations University in the spring of 2024, and it has been an incredible experience so far. I have had the opportunity to meet amazing people and build meaningful connections, much like the ones I have made here at The Indian Leader. Being part of this vibrant community has not only enriched my education but has also allowed me to engage with others who are passionate about sharing the stories and voices that matter. I’m excited to continue growing both personally and professionally in this supportive environment. I am pursuing degrees in both Media Communication and Business Administration here at Haskell, with the goal of combining the skills and knowledge from both fields. I hope this dual focus will open up a wider range of opportunities in the future, allowing me to combine creative communication strategies with strong business vision. This combination could lead to exciting possibilities, such as working in marketing, public relations, media management, or even starting my own business that leverages both areas of expertise.
In my free time, I like to explore whatever sparks my interest, which often means trying something new every day! However, there are a few activities that I always come back to. I spend a lot of time at the gym, working on my fitness and challenging myself with new goals. I also have a deep passion for reading, especially books on philosophy, which give me new ways to think about the world. Besides that, I’m a huge fan of manga—it’s one of my favorite ways to relax and immerse myself in a different kind of storytelling. I love spending time outdoors too. One of my favorite places to visit is the old football stadium at Haskell, where I enjoy taking long walks. Sometimes, I’ll just lay in the grass, watching the clouds drift by, feeling connected to nature. On clear nights, I like to return to the same spot and gaze up at the stars—there’s something peaceful about letting time slow down and watching the sky.
Anyways, I hope to keep learning and growing as much while I can!
Thanks for reading, love you all!
