Several challenges and many inspirations shaped my educational journey as I grew up. During my early years in middle school, there was a noticeable absence of structured STEM education—no dedicated teachers or programs that could introduce me to the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This lack of exposure left me uncertain about the possibilities ahead until I finally reached high school. It was there that I met Ms. Mathews in my biology class, a pivotal moment that changed everything. Ms. Mathews brought science to life for me. Her enthusiasm and passion were contagious, and through her classes, I discovered how fun and exciting science could be. Stepping into her classroom or the lab always felt like entering a place where I belonged—a place where curiosity was encouraged, and learning was an adventure. She was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor who patiently helped me understand difficult concepts and nurtured my growing interest in science. I would often find myself eagerly anticipating the next class, excited to dive deeper into experiments and hands-on activities . This profound connection with science inspired me to seek out summer programs to further fuel my passion. Over the years, I participated in several enriching programs, including Nizhoni Academy, CONVOY, CARE, College Horizons, and the Trio Talent Search. Four of these programs were affiliated with Northern Arizona University (NAU), while one was witDinéne College. Each program offered unique insights and opportunities: three focused on exploring different scientific fields and disciplines, helping me broaden my academic horizons, while the other two emphasized college tours and exposing me to the vast array of opportunities available beyond my immediate surroundings. These experiences were eye-opening. Before joining these programs, the farthest place I had known was Utah, so traveling to different colleges and regions expanded my world in ways I had never imagined. Seeing new places, meeting diverse people, and learning about various academic paths opened my eyes and mind to the endless possibilities ahead. These programs not only deepened my knowledge but also built my confidence and determination to pursue a future in science . Of course, my journey was not without its challenges. In fact, there were cons and obstacles along the way—such as adjusting to new environments, managing time between school and extra programs, and overcoming moments of self-doubt. But every challenge became a stepping stone that strengthened my resolve. The support from mentors like Ms. Mathews and the inspiring experiences from these programs gave me the motivation to keep moving forward, reminding me that growth often comes from facing and overcoming difficulties. Alongside the academic growth, these experiences taught me invaluable life skills such as resilience, adaptability, and self-advocacy. Navigating unfamiliar settings and meeting peers from diverse backgrounds helped me appreciate different perspectives and fostered a sense of community and belonging. I realized that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about personal development and building connections that support lifelong learning.

Several challenges and many inspirations shaped my educational journey as I grew up. During my early years in middle school, there was a noticeable absence of structured STEM education—no dedicated teachers or programs that could introduce me to the fascinating world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This lack of exposure left me uncertain about the possibilities ahead until I finally reached high school. It was there that I met Ms. Mathews in my biology class, a pivotal moment that changed everything. Ms. Mathews brought science to life for me. Her enthusiasm and passion were contagious, and through her classes, I discovered how fun and exciting science could be. Stepping into her classroom or the lab always felt like entering a place where I belonged—a place where curiosity was encouraged, and learning was an adventure. She was more than just a teacher; she was a mentor who patiently helped me understand difficult concepts and nurtured my growing interest in science. I would often find myself eagerly anticipating the next class, excited to dive deeper into experiments and hands-on activities. This profound connection with science inspired me to seek out summer programs to further fuel my passion. Over the years, I participated in several enriching programs, including Nizhoni Academy, CONVOY, CARE, College Horizons, and the Trio Talent Search. Four of these programs were affiliated with Northern Arizona University (NAU), while one was with Diné College. Each program offered unique insights and opportunities: three focused on exploring different scientific fields and disciplines, helping me broaden my academic horizons, while the other two emphasized college tours and exposing me to the vast array of opportunities available beyond my immediate surroundings. These experiences were eye-opening. Before joining these programs, the farthest place I had known was Utah, so traveling to different colleges and regions expanded my world in ways I had never imagined. Seeing new places, meeting diverse people, and learning about various academic paths opened my eyes and mind to the endless possibilities ahead. These programs not only deepened my knowledge but also built my confidence and determination to pursue a future in science. Of course, my journey was not without its challenges. In fact, there were cons and obstacles along the way—such as adjusting to new environments, managing time between school and extra programs, and overcoming moments of self-doubt. But every challenge became a stepping stone that strengthened my resolve. The support from mentors like Ms. Mathews and the inspiring experiences from these programs gave me the motivation to keep moving forward, reminding me that growth often comes from facing and overcoming difficulties. Alongside the academic growth, these experiences taught me invaluable life skills such as resilience, adaptability, and self-advocacy. Navigating unfamiliar settings and meeting peers from diverse backgrounds helped me appreciate different perspectives and fostered a sense of community and belonging. I realized that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about personal development and building connections that support lifelong learning. Looking ahead, I am excited and motivated to continue this journey with a clearer sense of purpose. The foundation I built through these programs and mentorships has prepared me to pursue a career in science with confidence. I hope to contribute to meaningful research and innovations that can make a positive impact on society. Most importantly, I want to inspire others, just as I was inspired, by sharing my story and encouraging more young people—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to believe in their potential and explore the wonders of STEM.

Ya’át’eeh shik’ei doo shidine'é, shí éí Jessica John yinishyé. Yeii Dine’e Táchil’nli nishłį́. Kinyaa'aánii báshíshchíín. Lók’aa’dine’é dashicheii. Tł’ízí łání dashinálí. Hello, my name is Jessica John. I am born for the Red Walking into the Water clan. My paternal clan is Towering House. My maternal grandparents' clan is the Reed People. And my paternal grandparents' clan is Many Goats. I am Diné (Navajo); I am from Red Lake, Arizona. Known also as Tonelea, I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. When I was in middle school, we didn't have anyone teaching anything in the STEM program. Until I got to high school and met Ms. Mathews for biology class. During my time in her class, I learned how fun science is, and I wanted to keep pursuing it. It always felt right whenever I stepped into a lab or got to work in her class; she would then help me. I would become very excited when I entered her class for my next class. I fell so in love with being in a lab that I looked for summer programs to join. The summer programs I joined were Nizhoni Academy, CONVOY, CARE, College Horizons, and the Trio Talent Search. Four were with NAU, and one was with Diné College. Three of them taught me different fields, and the last two focused on touring different colleges to open my eyes to opportunities. All of these programs really showed me what was out there, and it surprised me so much because the farthest place I used to know was Utah. Being able to travel and explore it really opened my eyes and mind. In fact, there is considerably more to explore in the world beyond simply remaining on the reservation. My involvement in various clubs at high school significantly occupies my time and enriches my perspectives, allowing me to envision numerous possibilities for any situation. Reflecting on my childhood, I recall my mother discussing college aspirations with my older siblings, despite the financial barriers that prevented them from pursuing higher education. My father often shared humorous and intriguing memories from his time as a school security guard at Greyhills, a role he held before I entered high school. His experiences and advice have proven helpful, especially during challenging situations. For example, during a basketball practice, one of my teammates experienced a seizure in the locker room. Although I was unprepared to assist directly at that moment, I was able to guide two of my teammates on the appropriate response, demonstrating the importance of leadership and quick thinking in unexpected circumstances. My inspiration to pursue a career in lab work is influenced by female characters portrayed in popular television series. Specifically, Abby from "NCIS" and Penelope from "Criminal Minds" demonstrate how these characters perform lab work and meticulously analyze evidence. The depiction of their dedication and connection with their coworkers ignites my desire to work in a similar environment, and I hope media portrayals will have a strong impact on my career aspirations. I am the first in my family to pursue higher education in a field distinct from my siblings, who either entered the workforce or joined the Navy after high school. My parents, seasonal workers, are only employed during the summer and fall and occasionally in the spring. Despite their efforts, their income remains insufficient to support my college expenses.

Ya’át’eeh shik’ei doo shidine'é, shí éí Jessica John yinishyé. Yeii Dine’e Táchil’nli nishłį́. Kinyaa'aánii báshíshchíín. Lók’aa’dine’é dashicheii. Tł’ízí łání dashinálí. Hello, my name is Jessica John. I am born for the Red Walking into the Water clan. My paternal clan is Towering House. My maternal grandparents' clan is the Reed People. And my paternal grandparents' clan is Many Goats. I am Diné (Navajo); I am from Red Lake, Arizona. Known also as Tonelea, I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. When I was in middle school, we didn't have anyone teaching anything in the STEM program. Until I got to high school and met Ms. Mathews for biology class. During my time in her class, I learned how fun science is, and I wanted to keep pursuing it. It always felt right whenever I stepped into a lab or got to work in her class; she would then help me. I would become very excited when I entered her class for my next class. I fell so in love with being in a lab that I looked for summer programs to join. The summer programs I joined were Nizhoni Academy, CONVOY, CARE, College Horizons, and the Trio Talent Search. Four were with NAU, and one was with Diné College. Three of them taught me different fields, and the last two focused on touring different colleges to open my eyes to opportunities. All of these programs really showed me what was out there, and it surprised me so much because the farthest place I used to know was Utah. Being able to travel and explore it really opened my eyes and mind. In fact, there is considerably more to explore in the world beyond simply remaining on the reservation. My involvement in various clubs at high school significantly occupies my time and enriches my perspectives, allowing me to envision numerous possibilities for any situation. Reflecting on my childhood, I recall my mother discussing college aspirations with my older siblings, despite the financial barriers that prevented them from pursuing higher education. My father often shared humorous and intriguing memories from his time as a school security guard at Greyhills, a role he held before I entered high school. His experiences and advice have proven helpful, especially during challenging situations. For example, during a basketball practice, one of my teammates experienced a seizure in the locker room. Although I was unprepared to assist directly at that moment, I was able to guide two of my teammates on the appropriate response, demonstrating the importance of leadership and quick thinking in unexpected circumstances. My inspiration to pursue a career in lab work is influenced by female characters portrayed in popular television series. Specifically, Abby from "NCIS" and Penelope from "Criminal Minds" demonstrate how these characters perform lab work and meticulously analyze evidence. The depiction of their dedication and connection with their coworkers ignites my desire to work in a similar environment, and I hope media portrayals will have a strong impact on my career aspirations. I am the first in my family to pursue higher education in a field distinct from my siblings, who either entered the workforce or joined the Navy after high school. My parents, seasonal workers, are only employed during the summer and fall and occasionally in the spring. Despite their efforts, their income remains insufficient to support my college expenses.

Ya’át’eeh shik’ei doo shidine'é, shí éí Jessica John yinishyé. Yeii Dine’e Táchil’nli nishłį́. Kinyaa'aánii báshíshchíín. Lók’aa’dine’é dashicheii. Tł’ízí łání dashinálí. Hello, my name is Jessica John. I am born for the Red Walking into the Water clan. My paternal clan is Towering House. My maternal grandparents' clan is the Reed People. And my paternal grandparents' clan is Many Goats. I am Diné (Navajo); I am from Red Lake, Arizona. Known also as Tonelea, I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. When I was in middle school, we didn't have anyone teaching anything in the STEM program. Until I got to high school and met Ms. Mathews for biology class. During my time in her class, I learned how fun science is, and I wanted to keep pursuing it. It always felt right whenever I stepped into a lab or got to work in her class; she would then help me. I would become very excited when I entered her class for my next class. I fell so in love with being in a lab that I looked for summer programs to join. The summer programs I joined were Nizhoni Academy, CONVOY, CARE, College Horizons, and the Trio Talent Search. Four were with NAU, and one was with Diné College. Three of them taught me different fields, and the last two focused on touring different colleges to open my eyes to opportunities. All of these programs really showed me what was out there, and it surprised me so much because the farthest place I used to know was Utah. Being able to travel and explore it really opened my eyes and mind. In fact, there is considerably more to explore in the world beyond simply remaining on the reservation. My involvement in various clubs at high school significantly occupies my time and enriches my perspectives, allowing me to envision numerous possibilities for any situation. Reflecting on my childhood, I recall my mother discussing college aspirations with my older siblings, despite the financial barriers that prevented them from pursuing higher education. My father often shared humorous and intriguing memories from his time as a school security guard at Greyhills, a role he held before I entered high school. His experiences and advice have proven helpful, especially during challenging situations. For example, during a basketball practice, one of my teammates experienced a seizure in the locker room. Although I was unprepared to assist directly at that moment, I was able to guide two of my teammates on the appropriate response, demonstrating the importance of leadership and quick thinking in unexpected circumstances. My inspiration to pursue a career in lab work is influenced by female characters portrayed in popular television series. Specifically, Abby from "NCIS" and Penelope from "Criminal Minds" demonstrate how these characters perform lab work and meticulously analyze evidence. The depiction of their dedication and connection with their coworkers ignites my desire to work in a similar environment, and I hope media portrayals will have a strong impact on my career aspirations. I am the first in my family to pursue higher education in a field distinct from my siblings, who either entered the workforce or joined the Navy after high school. My parents, seasonal workers, are only employed during the summer and fall and occasionally in the spring. Despite their efforts, their income remains insufficient to support my college expenses.

Ya’át’eeh shik’ei doo shidine'é, shí éí Jessica John yinishyé. Yeii Dine’e Táchil’nli nishłį́. Kinyaa'aánii báshíshchíín. Lók’aa’dine’é dashicheii. Tł’ízí łání dashinálí. Hello, my name is Jessica John. I am born for the Red Walking into the Water clan. My paternal clan is Towering House. My maternal grandparents' clan is the Reed People. And my paternal grandparents' clan is Many Goats. I am Diné (Navajo); I am from Red Lake, Arizona. Known also as Tonelea, I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. When I was in middle school, we didn't have anyone teaching anything in the STEM program. Until I got to high school and met Ms. Mathews for biology class. During my time in her class, I learned how fun science is, and I wanted to keep pursuing it. It always felt right whenever I stepped into a lab or got to work in her class; she would then help me. I would become very excited when I entered her class for my next class. I fell so in love with being in a lab that I looked for summer programs to join. The summer programs I joined were Nizhoni Academy, CONVOY, CARE, College Horizons, and the Trio Talent Search. Four were with NAU, and one was with Diné College. Three of them taught me different fields, and the last two focused on touring different colleges to open my eyes to opportunities. All of these programs really showed me what was out there, and it surprised me so much, because the farthest place I used to know was Utah, but being able to travel and explore it really opened my eyes and mind. In fact, there is considerably more to explore in the world beyond simply remaining on the reservation. My involvement in various clubs at high school significantly occupies my time and enriches my perspectives, allowing me to envision numerous possibilities for any situation. Reflecting on my childhood, I recall my mother discussing college aspirations with my older siblings, despite the financial barriers that prevented them from pursuing higher education. My father often shared humorous and intriguing memories from his time as a school security guard at Greyhills, a role he held before I entered high school. His experiences and advice have proven helpful, especially during challenging situations. For example, during a basketball practice, one of my teammates experienced a seizure in the locker room. Although I was unprepared to assist directly at that moment, I was able to guide two of my teammates on the appropriate response, demonstrating the importance of leadership and quick thinking in unexpected circumstances. My inspiration to pursue a career in lab work is influenced by female characters portrayed in popular television series. Specifically, Abby from "NCIS" and Penelope from "Criminal Minds" point out how these characters engage in lab work and analyze evidence meticulously. The depiction of their dedication and connection with their coworkers ignites my desire to work in a similar environment, and I hope media portrayals will have a strong impact on my career aspirations. I am the first in my family to pursue higher education in a field distinct from my siblings, who either entered the workforce or joined the Navy after high school. My parents, seasonal workers, are only employed during the summer and fall and occasionally in the spring. Despite their efforts, their income remains insufficient to support my college expenses.

Ya'át'eeh shik’ei doo shidine'é, shí éí Jessica John yinishyé. Yeii Dine’e Táchil’nli nishłį́. Kinyaa'aánii báshíshchíín. Lók’aa’dine’é dashicheii. Tł’ízí łání dashinálí. Hello, my name is Jessica John. I am born for the Red Walking into the Water clan. My paternal clan is Towering House. My maternal grandparents' clan is the Reed People. And my paternal grandparents' clan is Many Goats. I am Dine (Navajo); I am from Red Lake, Arizona. Known also as Tonelea, I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. Several challenges and many inspirations shaped my educational journey as I grew up. When I was in middle school, we didn't have anyone teaching anything in the STEM program until I got to high school and met Ms. Mathews for biology class. During my time in her class, I learned how fun science is, and I wanted to keep pursuing it. It always felt right whenever I stepped into a lab or got to work in her class; she would then help me. I would become very excited when I entered her class for my next class. I fell so in love with being in a lab that I looked for summer programs to join. The summer programs I joined were Nizhoni Academy, CONVOY, CARE, College Horizons, and the Trio Talent Search. Four were with NAU, and one was with Dine College. Three of them taught me different fields, and the last two focused on touring different colleges to open my eyes to opportunities. All of these programs really showed me what was out there, and it surprised me so much, because the farthest place I used to know was Utah, but being able to travel and explore them really opened my eyes and mind. In fact, there are cons. This early exposure to STEM programs set the stage for my later involvement in school clubs and leadership opportunities. The world beyond the reservation offers a wealth of opportunities to explore. My involvement in various clubs at high school significantly occupies my time and enriches my perspectives, allowing me to envision numerous possibilities for any situation. Reflecting on my childhood, I recall my mother discussing college aspirations with my older siblings, despite the financial barriers that prevented them from pursuing higher education. My father often shared humorous and intriguing memories from his time as a school security guard at Greyhills, a role he held before I entered high school. His experiences and advice have proven beneficial, especially during challenging situations. For example, during a basketball practice, one of my teammates experienced a seizure in the locker room. Although I was unprepared to assist directly at that moment, I was able to guide two of my teammates toward the appropriate response, demonstrating the importance of leadership and quick thinking in unexpected circumstances. Female characters portrayed in popular television series inspire my pursuit of a career in lab work. Specifically, Abby from "NCIS" and Penelope from "Criminal Minds" point out how these characters engage in lab work and analyze evidence meticulously. The depiction of their dedication and connection with their coworkers ignites my desire to work in a similar environment, and I hope media portrayals will have a strong impact on my career aspirations. I am the first in my family to pursue higher education in a field distinct from my siblings, who either entered the workforce or joined the Navy after high school. My parents, who work seasonally, only obtain employment during the summer and fall, with occasional work in the spring. Despite their efforts, their income remains insufficient to support my college expenses.

Ya’át’eeh shik’ei doo shidine’é shí éí Jessica John yinishyé Táchil’nli nishłį́ Kinyaa’aánll báshíshchíín Lók’aa’dine’é dashicheii Tł’ízí łání dashinálí I am from Red Lake, Arizona, but I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. I have three sisters and two brothers. All of their names are Marissa, Shawna, Alonzo, Brittany, and Lorenzo John Jr. My parents' names are Margaret Black and Lorenzo John. The nickname my family gave me is Nanash, and I mostly respond to it more than my name. My mom said it was from an old Navajo song she used to put me to sleep. Thus my family has been using it ever since. Often, when I go to school after it’s over, I go to practice for sports or to tutor. Other than that, I go to Ms. Matthew's class to ask more questions about forensics or programs that will be best for me to increase my knowledge for my education. Another key thing is that I also have my ups and downs, but I work through them. This will allow me to further my education and enhance my academic skills. For example, I would fall behind in class because of away games. I try to catch up quickly so I can raise my grades. Other than that, I do well with my grades. Some sports that I joined are volleyball, chess, basketball, and softball. I desire to learn new things. To give you an idea, I am keen to learn about construction because I want to know how to build a house. For this exact purpose, I will be taking construction next semester. I got construction this year, and I’m pleased with what it has taught me. There is a lot of information I got from that class. My ambitions are to go to college, graduate, and obtain a good job as a forensic scientist in the police force or the army. I want to spend a lot of time in the field and analyze a lot of my work. Working in this field will allow me to study more subjects while on the job, which will enhance my academic and personal growth in leadership and life-learning skills for higher education, as well as cultural and recreational opportunities. With that increase in growth, I will know and understand what I am doing. In addition, I value how small bits of evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere can contain so much information. It is certainly amazing how captivating what you can find in even the smallest detail of many types of evidence is. In short, I am keen to learn a lot this summer about your teaching and training. Additionally, out of curiosity, I am keen to learn a lot about what I will analyze and uncover from the teachings I will receive in your program. For this exact purpose, I know they can tell apart fraud, forgeries, fingerprints, and drugs in a person's system and trace evidence. I am keen to learn more about the humanities, math, and science that will help with forensics. I’m excited to see how much growth I will have after gaining your help in going to college.

Ya’át’eeh shik’ei doo shidine'é, shí éí Jessica John yinishyé. Yeii Dine’e Táchil’nli nishłį́. Kinyaa'aánii báshíshchíín. Lók’aa’dine’é dashicheii. Tł’ízí łání dashinálí. Hello, my name is Jessica John. I am born for the Red Walking into the Water clan. My paternal clan is Towering House. My maternal grandparents' clan is the Reed People. And my paternal grandparents' clan is Many Goats. I am Dine (Navajo); I am from Red Lake, Arizona. Known also as Tonelea, I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. Several challenges and many inspirations shaped my educational journey as I grew up. When I was in middle school, we didn't have anyone teaching anything in the STEM program until I got to high school and met Ms. Mathews for biology class. During my time in her class, I learned how fun science is, and I wanted to keep pursuing it. It always felt right whenever I stepped into a lab or got to work in her class; she would then help me. I would become very excited when I entered her class for my next class. I fell so in love with being in a lab that I looked for summer programs to join. The summer programs I joined were Nizhoni Academy, CONVOY, CARE, College Horizons, and the Trio Talent Search. Four were with NAU, and one was with Dine College. Three of them taught me different fields, and the last two focused on touring different colleges to open my eyes to opportunities. All of these programs really showed me what was out there, and it surprised me so much, because the farthest place I used to know was Utah, but being able to travel and explore them really opened my eyes and mind. This early exposure to STEM programs set the stage for my later involvement in school clubs and leadership opportunities. The world beyond the reservation offers a wealth of opportunities to explore. My involvement in various clubs at high school significantly occupies my time and enriches my perspectives, allowing me to envision numerous possibilities for any situation. Reflecting on my childhood, I recall my mother discussing college aspirations with my older siblings, despite the financial barriers that prevented them from pursuing higher education. My father often shared humorous and intriguing memories from his time as a school security guard at Greyhills, a role he held before I entered high school. His experiences and advice have proven beneficial, especially during challenging situations. For example, during a basketball practice, one of my teammates experienced a seizure in the locker room. Although I was unprepared to assist directly at that moment, I was able to guide two of my teammates toward the appropriate response, demonstrating the importance of leadership and quick thinking in unexpected circumstances

I've always seen my mom either make enough money to pay everything off or discover a way to cover late fees and the full price. Most of my clothes have come from my older siblings or cousins. My mom didn’t like that we always had to wear hand-me-downs. Therefore, she had me sign up for a program that assigned me a sponsor. The sponsor would write letters and send money or gift cards for us to use. The money could only be used to buy school supplies, clothing, or personal hygiene products. In high school, I still have my sponsor. However, my mother was also concerned about my accommodations because of my involvement in sports and occasional travel for school trips. My mom enrolled me in a school with a dormitory, but the school requires us to go home on Fridays and return on Sundays. My family's ability to save money for gas to pick me up and drop me off is very limited. Since she doesn’t have money for gas, she asked my uncles, who live in the town where my high school is located, to take care of me on weekends. This arrangement allows her to avoid concerns about providing accommodation and enables her to allocate small savings toward bills. I understand that her expenses are substantial, as I have three sisters and two brothers. She has to support and take care of all of us. My middle school did not offer any courses or teachers in the STEM program, which significantly limited my early exposure to science and technology. Because of this, I had hardly any opportunities to explore subjects like biology, chemistry, or physics until I reached high school. When I finally met Ms. Mathews in my biology class, everything changed. She was an inspiring and supportive teacher who made science engaging and accessible. In her class, I discovered how fascinating and enjoyable science could be, especially when we got hands-on experience in the lab. As soon as I walked into the lab, I felt like I belonged there and was excited to be there. Ms. Mathews was always patient and supportive She took the time to explain difficult ideas to me and helped me with experiments. Her support motivated me to work harder and pursue science beyond the classroom. I looked forward to every biology class because it was not only educational but also fun and inspiring. This experience sparked a passion for science that has continued to grow ever since. Inspired by this experience, I fell so in love with being in a lab that I looked for summer programs to join. The programs I participated in: Four of these were affiliated with Northern Arizona University (NAU), and one was with Diné College. Three programs exposed me to different scientific fields, while the other two focused on college tours to broaden my awareness of educational opportunities. Through these experiences, I realized there is so much more beyond what I had known. Previously, the farthest place I had been was Utah, but traveling and exploring new places truly opened my eyes and expanded my perspective. It made me understand that there is a vast world beyond the reservation. These programs also provided financial support for my participation. I used the money I earned to help my mom pay bills and buy food, leaving little for myself. I have always had to contribute in this way. They sometimes got upset with my mom because of my support, but I feel it is necessary since my older siblings are unwilling or unable to help her.