•Kawerak Scholar Highlight
The Fort Lewis students, Jessica Farley, her husband Chugie and three parents left Nome on the morning flight out and a few hours later were on their next flight to Seattle. They stayed the night in Seattle and woke up at the crack of dawn to fly to Albuquerque, NM. From Albuquerque they drove six hours in 100-degree weather. Jake and Theresa Kenick were two of the parents who accompanied this group to drop off their daughter Molly Kenick. They hauled all the totes and suitcases in a truck all the way from Albuquerque to Durango. It was a day before student check in so when they finally arrived in Durango, they stayed the night at another hotel.
Moving in was easier than expected for EJ.
EJ has fallen in love with Fort Lewis College. Attending campus events, like JAWS in the water (watching the movie JAWS while in a pool) and drag bingo were some highlights. Jewels Iyapana, also from Nome, and EJ figured out the bus system together to easily get to where they need to go. Before the College Transition Program, EJ didn’t know Jewels very well, but now Jewels is one of her best friends. All of the Nome students are in touch with each other checking in and making sure everybody feels supported. “It’s like we have our own little community within the community,” EJ said.
“This program changed my life for the better,” said EJ. “I was in an unhealthy relationship and depressed but leaving for college gave me a new start. If you’re thinking about using this program, don’t think, just do! But go when you are ready! If I went right out of high school I would have dropped out.”
The College Transition Program is open to all Bering Strait region tribal members who are incoming college freshman who have graduated high school within the last two years and are attending a college or university away from home for the first time. The College Transition Program guides new college students through what to expect during their first year of attending an in-person university/college. To learn more about the college transition program visit kawerak.org/he. The application for 2022 is due by May 15.