I grew up in a household where money was always a worry. I grew up counting my coins to help my mom pay for bills or groceries. It was hard growing up to not see money as an obstacle to achieve my goals in life. I didn’t have an extremely active dad but he did give me my wants. I was always very aware of money as a child and how we didn’t have very much. I felt a part of the responsibility fell on my shoulders so I did what every kid did just for different reasons. I set up lemonade stands, I drew for people, I painted nails, etc. I did my best to help. As I entered my teenage years it became harder and life became more expensive. I felt left out because I wasn’t able to have as much as the kids around me. I would use my birthday or Christmas money on school supplies or things I needed instead of presents. I put my focus on my hygiene or necessities more than my wants. When I got a real job it became even more difficult. I was blessed enough to have a car, but with that came expenses. I had car insurance and gas. At this point in my life my mom has put the responsibility of paying for my own hygiene products and needs on me. I was left alone with no financial support. She payed the bills and groceries, but none of my personal needs. I had a hard time learning to save my money and didn’t have much of a savings. The little savings I did have went towards a new car when my mother took my previous one away. I moved out and lived with my grandparents who helped me get into school when my mother refused. They gave me stability and the support I needed. I’m working towards growing my savings while still supporting myself. I plan to attend Temple College to study diagnostic medical sonography. I grew up learning money was always an obstacle, but I hope to turn that negative mindset into one that allows me to see money as a positive thing. I want to learn to save my money to benefit my future. I want to learn that my education is worth the effort. I don’t want to make my children feel the way I felt towards money. I want to make my education worth every dollar. I want to live and not just survive.

Growing up my grandparents explained my culture to me, but I never saw it in my friends at school. I always felt a little bit out of place as a young girl surrounded by white culture. My mom didn’t speak to my grandparents and I think that translated in the way she raised us. She would speak poorly of my grandparents and our Native American culture. It created a very complex mindset when expressing my culture. My family situation was very different. I didn’t have a very present mother or father, so I was left alone to find my path in this world. Every year my grandparents took me to this festival where there was Native American food, outfits, and music. I found it fascinating that these were my people. There was such a great spiritual connection between everyone there. It wasn’t chaotic like a mall instead it was like how all the animals and plants move together to create a beautiful world. There was so much beauty and truth in each person. Growing up people would call me Indian when I told them I was Native American. I didn’t understand that at the time that could be offensive because of the ignorance. My background is special and deserves recognition. My father was white so that played into my confusion between what my culture should be. I grew up more around my dad’s side of the family as I became a teenager. I still love my Native American background. I love the beauty it translates. I love the connection it brings. I love the quietness when a traditional song is being played and everyone is just listening. This has shaped who I am as person because it makes up my character. I am proudly of Native American descent. I have a quiet nature but it is powerful. I have the determination of those who have come before me. I plan to express this to my children and help them see the beauty in it. The same way I was shown it as a kid. It might seem odd to others but this culture is one of the purest and most genuine. It helped me not only connect with my family but even connect with my mother. It showed me how she lost her way and that having a strong sense of who I am will help guide me through not only college but the rest of my life.