My greatest achievement is returning to school as a non-traditional American Indian mother during the pandemic. I am a mother of an 8-year-old special needs child. My daughter and family are the most important highlight of my life. When my daughter looks at me, I know she is proud, and that is the only kind of key accomplishment I need. Academically, I accepted a Research Assistant position in my first year of college in 2020, during the height of the pandemic, while providing my special needs child education while she had to stay home and stay safe. The value gained through this experience has honestly been one of the most challenging things I have been a part of and continue to be a part of. When I first accepted this Research Assistant position, I was very hesitant due to my lack of knowledge and experience in the field. I found myself constantly questioning what I have to contribute to someone who is a great teacher and an academic as well? I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to carry out the expected responsibilities, and imposter syndrome would put me into a choke-hold. As a Research Assistant, I have developed many skills that I can carry into future studies. My participation in this study has sharpened my critical thinking, leadership capabilities, and overall professional communication. I have been assigned deadlines and tasks and have been held accountable for the timely delivery of the work and the quality of work I complete. I have gained skills in journal keeping and improved my writing skills for different audiences. I have gained better critical reading abilities, ethics of business practices, and a better understanding of the importance of scope practices. I have also gained research skills that I can take with me into my career once I have finished my studies. I now understand complex information, collect and organize important historical data, and extract salient information from longer or secondary resources. I have sharpened my skills in formulating original ideas and cultivating cross-disciplinary sensibilities. My mind has been expanded to other thoughts of other beings and beyond one’s myopic perspective. I have a broader sense of global perspective and cultivation of empathy. This research position has been one of the most inspiring and influential aspects of my college experience. Professor Slater has provided me with a myriad of skills and opportunities that I never thought I would be capable of or even smart enough to take part in. What I thought was once insurmountable is now very attainable. Being her Research Assistant was truly a deeply emotional and academically invigorating experience, and I will never regret it. All these things are amazing, and I am incredibly humbled and grateful for each and every one of these aspects of my life. However, all roads lead back to when people ask my daughter what she wants to be when she grows up; she says she wants to be smart like her mom. For now, that is who I am; I am still becoming. Stay tuned for what is next.