Sarah is a first generation low-income college student. Two of her older siblings didn't graduate high school and had to go to Job Corps to get their degrees; and another older brother that was supposed to graduate before her didn't graduate high school until a year after she did. Plus she would always hear that "if we wanted to go somewhere in life that we would need a college degree".            

Sarah recalls, "And growing up in Washington where people would always ask me "Are you Chinese? Japanese? Mexican? Indian? Hawaiian?" and then when I told them I'm Eskimo (I'm both Yup'ik and Inupiaq) they thought I was lying and they would say that Eskimos aren't real or always ask if I live in an igloo and travel by dog sled."  Growing up in the Fairbanks/North Pole area some other students would look at her as just some "dumb Native," and say that I would never do anything in life because I am just a "dumb" Native and that they never make it past high school and just some other stuff like that.

So I told myself that I'm not going to be included in some stereotypical statistic. I will graduate from a University being proud of my Native heritages and where I came from and nobody/nothing is going to get in my way. And after I graduate I'll get a real good job that will also stop those stereotypes from getting passed on."

Sarah shares, "As a first generation-low income student I had to first find a way to even get here. So when I got my acceptance letters I chose UAF and then worked all summer in Washington state mowing lawns, gardening and tree trimming, washing cars and picking up trash in my apartment complex. (It was one hot summer!! Sometimes 90-100 degrees)".

And then when I came up here I found out that I still had fees due and I thought that I had to quit school but then a very special friend just paid the balance and I was able to stay. So I started searching for a job and couldn't find anything on campus but found a job at Geist Road Pizza Hut. I worked at Pizza Hut at night after all my classes (I was taking 15 credits fall semester and 16 spring semester) so I can repay that friend that paid my school balance and save money to go home for the Holidays and my sister's wedding where I was the Maid of Honor.

While I was making payments to that friend and saving money for that trip home I was also helping my sister pay for her wedding. I bought all the food and my (7 foot) brother's tuxedo and decorations and some of her wedding attire; I was also sending money home so my parents wouldn't get kicked out of the two-bedroom apartment. My Dad was the only one working because my Momma's cancer came back and the chemo and radiation didn't leave her with much energy.  My brothers couldn't get a job because my family just happens to live in the county that has the highest unemployment rate in Washington State.

Then my advisor said I should apply for the FNA's Student Coordinator position...so I did and got it. But I didn't find out about it until January and had less than two months to plan Festival. And for a little over one month I was working two part time jobs and going to school full time (I don't know how I did it, but I made it happen and passed all my classes).

Sarah applies for grants and scholarships to help pay for college expenses.  She recommends getting the applications done as soon as possible and answer all the questions honestly.  Most of the places that give scholarships also provide internships.  Also filling out the FAFSA early is a big help.   

"I love being back in Alaska and being a part of UAF and RSS. You guys are awesome!"

And RSS is amazed and inspired by your energy and enthusiasm Sarah.  Keep up the good work!