Kelly Cheama, Pueblo of Zuni

My name is Kelly Cheama, and I am from the Zuni Pueblo. I am in my second semester of the nursing program and would like to extend my gratitude to Americans for Native Americans for selecting me to receive your generous scholarship. It has enabled me to pay for supplies that I had not yet purchased. For example, I bought a book about Nursing Therapeutics for various diseases and disorders. I take it with me to clinicals. In addition, your funding bought me two extra nursing uniforms. For me, this is a big deal. Though I have my own washer and dryer, I must clean my uniforms at the Laundromat because we have well water in Zuni. Also, I was able to cut back on my work hours because of your help. I can now devote more time to my studies. That was a lot of money, and I still have some saved for books next semester. I have always wanted to be a nurse because my mother is a nurse and has been a positive influence in my life. I will serve in my community. My educational goals are to go on for my bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) after I complete my Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN). Again, thank you all for your generous contribution toward my education. I greatly appreciate it. – Kelly

Loraleen Haley – Navajo Nation

I am deeply honored and grateful for the Nursing scholarship awarded to me through your organization. I truly was in dire need of financial assistance this third semester of Nursing at the UNM-Gallup Branch. Although I graduated from high school May, 1997 and started pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing right then, I have encountered many obstacles. I had to take remedial courses in my first year in college to be accepted in the required classes, and this consequently set me back; as a result, I have exhausted my financial aid and have extensive accumulated hours for an Associate degree; however, I am determined to achieve my Associate Degree in Nursing. I am a Native American Indian student, a member of the Navajo Nation, from a family with a non-college degree background. I will be the first in my grandmother’s descendent to earn a college degree. In an effort to negate the stereotype statements made of the Native Americans, I am pushing further to attain a bachelor’s degree in Nursing; I have already taken some of the required classes for the upper Nursing Degree program. I know not many of my Navajo people with whom I have worked have a bachelor’s degree in my chosen field. My long term plan is to shift my career into medical examining and in this particular profession, it is difficult for a Navajo who wants to examine dead bodies. In the Navajo traditional belief no one is to work with the dead, fearing it is the end for those who associate with the dead. I am interested in becoming a medical examiner to learn more about the anatomy and physiology of the body to educate my Navajo people about the ending effects of what alcohol, diabetes, cancers, etc. does to the body, maybe this educational approach will be the pivotal for my people to start taking prevention measures seriously.

This monetary award lifted the tremendous worry off my shoulders and came just in time for additional fees I needed to pay. I thank you for your encouragement and support. You made me believe there is recognition for hard work and achievements waiting no matter how long. Again, I thank you for your foundation in helping the Native American Indian students. -Thank-you!    Loraleen

Angela Bedoy – Navajo Nation

My name is Angela Bedoy, and I am very grateful for the scholarship. I am married with a good husband who supports me; we have two wonderful children ages two and four. I always wanted to be a nurse, and everyday I am getting closer to that dream. I’m currently in my third semester of nursing; my plans are to finish the ADN program, get my RN, and pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. I would like to work with our Native people, to provide care and educate them about their healthcare issues. Your financial support will help out a great deal especially with transportation expenses because I travel about 200 to 300 miles per week to attend school and clinical rotations. We do struggle just to make ends meet; I believe it will pay off.  Thank you very much.
– Angie

Shawnadine Becenti – Navajo Nation

Lisa Fowler – Towering House Clan, Navajo

Tonia Navakuku – Hopi/Navajo

Hello – I’m Tonia Navakuku; I am half Hopi and half Navajo. I have two children, and I am currently in my second semester of the nursing program here at UNM-Gallup. Once I finish school, I plan to work for Indian Health Services in the labor and delivery area.

Without financial support from outside sources, like the good people at Americans for Native Americans, I would not be able to attend college in order to provide a stable future and environment for my kids and myself.

I would like to thank everyone for getting me to where I am today. Every dollar helps, and I know that this money will make a huge impact in my life.

Once again, I am very, very grateful. -- Tonia Navakuku, Hopi/Navajo