Recent Graduates Take Advantage of Summer Vacation to Support Community and Advance Studies
by Sierra Concha '13
posted August 15, 2014
During the summer months, many recent Red Cloud graduates spend their time immersed in internships, research programs and in jobs that will reinforce and build the skills needed for future careers in their chosen field. For some, this means working with industry-leading scientists on community health and environmental engineering, while others return to the reservation in more direct support of their community.
We sat down with Shane ‘13, Ernest ‘12 and Deandra ‘11 as they finished their summer programs and prepare to return to their universities for a new year of studies.
Shane Star:
Currently attending: South Dakota School Of Mines and Technology ‘17
Previous education: Red Cloud Indian School ‘13
Major: Engineering
Shane Starr ‘13 has been interested in “how things work” since he was a young boy. This summer he played a major part in supporting scientists and engineers in researching the presence of uranium in water running through the Black Hills.
Thank you for talking with us Shane!
Can you tell us a little about what you are working on this summer?
This summer I am interning for the Pre-Engineering Educational Collaborative (PEEC) program. Working with this program has had me collaborating with students from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and Oglala Lakota College on engineering projects that could potentially have a positive effect on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
My main focus has been a project researching uranium levels in water in western South Dakota and studying whether or not the uranium is naturally occurring or if it's leaking from old uranium mines around the region. This is very important because water is sacred to Lakota people and also very important for our health. I've also been working on other smaller projects such as monitoring the water quality on the reservation and planning and building a greenhouse for the community. It’s been a great summer, full of great experiences.
How did you know you wanted to study science and engineering in college?
I know for certain that Red Cloud was one factor that really helped me get to where I am right now. It wasn't only the education that I received there, but also all the personal and spiritual growth. The staff at Red Cloud was a huge part of of my transformation over the years and the staff really put in the extra effort to help me. My former science teacher, Wendell Gehman, was an important figure in my high school education. He inspired me to do my best work and sparked my interest in science, especially chemistry, at an early age. Because of those classes I knew I wanted to pursue a degree in engineering and knew I had the skills to get into a good program.
Ernest Weston:
Currently attending: South Dakota State University (SDSU) ‘16
Previous education: Red Cloud Indian School ‘12
Major: Political Science
Ernest Weston ‘12 was recently awarded the Emerging American Indian Scholar award at South Dakota State University and was elected as president of its Native Student Organization. Ernest spent his summer working with tribal officials to research ways to improve health services in his community and across South Dakota.
Ernest, I hear you’ve been up to good things! Tell us a bit about your recent work.
This summer, I have been working as a research assistant for the Oregon Health and Science University. I work with a great team of researchers and with tribal communities to collect data that will be used to better the health services in those communities as part of the South Dakota Health Survey—a large project that the university has undertaken. So far, I have learned a lot about the health disparities on South Dakota’s reservations, including my own, and developed a deeper understanding of the lack of resources that these communities face. I know the data that we are collecting is very important to the future health of our people. I have also learned quite a bit about research methods in general and I am sure this experience will be helpful. Someday I hope to lead my own research programs.
You are so focused!
The last two years at college has made me realize the importance of a solid high school education. Red Cloud prepared me well for college. The instructors at Red Cloud were very helpful and gave us a taste of what college would be like by expecting quality work, on time. I also felt prepared for college because of the close community I created with peers at Red Cloud. We took class retreats during our years at Red Cloud in order to build a supportive community, and it worked. Once you have that community, you have a support system that can help students get through any personal and academic challenges they may face.
Red Cloud also provides the resources for students to attend higher education, which is what I want for every school on reservations. That inspired me and now I want to be part of the reason why up-and-coming Native American students have more opportunities to attend non-tribal colleges and universities and live happy, healthy lives. I realized that education and politics go hand in hand, especially for Native Americans, so I decided that by studying political science I could make a lasting difference.
DeAndra McLaughlin:
Currently attending: Stanford University ‘15
Previous education: Red Cloud Indian School ‘11
Major: Psychology
DeAndra McLaughlin ‘11 returned to Red Cloud’s campus after completing her junior year of psychology studies at Stanford University. This summer, Deandra worked with the community relations office to teach visitors about Lakota culture and history and to share the Red Cloud Indian School story. She also took on a role in building a new curriculum on culture and art for at The Heritage Center.
We are so glad to have you back at Red Cloud this summer!
Tell us a little about what brought you back.
I attended Red Cloud most of my life and I loved going here. It was a great environment when I was a student so I knew being an employee had to be just as enjoyable! When I was in school here, the teachers and staff were very positive and I loved talking to them—their positive attitude was infectious and made the learning experience enjoyable.
I knew by working here I could build positive relationships with co-workers, just like I had with my teachers while in school. Working here also meant that I’d spend my time doing something worthwhile and positive. Simply, I wanted to give back to the community and people who helped me achieve my goals and get into and excel at Stanford.
What’s next on the horizon for you DeAndra? Perhaps a career in community relations?
After I graduate I want to get my master’s degree in education at Stanford. They have a great year-long program called Policy and Organizational Leadership Skills that I will apply for. Before college I never thought about becoming a teacher, but I started tutoring children and getting involved in educational programs during the last few years at Stanford and that really drew me in.
I completed a program called JUMPSTART, which is a tutoring/teaching program that brought me to the Child Development Center in East Palo Alto, CA where I read and taught to three year olds. I was also involved in a tutoring program called DreamCatchers and I have tutored sixth through eighth graders. I loved this age range because I know this is when they are developing psychologically and their mental and social skills are growing. It was fun to talk to them and see what their aspirations were.
Being a part of these programs made me realize that I can make a difference in a child’s life. I realized that studying education is a great next step for me. And at the end of the day, I think education and psychology are a great combination and whatever career path I take, they will benefit me. I do know that that path will also eventually lead back to the reservation. I don’t know when that will be, but this is the place I call home and I know this place needs change and help. If I can contribute to that change, then I will. So count on seeing me again soon!
Photos and Content ©Red Cloud Indian School, 2014
