Thank Yous and Takeaways by James Fenelon

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The Native Youth to College program (NY2C) is now coming to an end it is appropriate to say a couple words of farewell. The first words go out to the elders which are the reason any of the activities within the program were possible. They did a great job of mixing fun with learning and deciding which times were appropriate for which. Julia, Scott, and the mentors did an excellent job of guiding the youth. Without them we would not have any foundations to build upon. From those foundations there were many takeaways from the program. NY2C wove together getting into college, college life, as well as importance of culture. Every student shined during the two weeks while we were together. I am going to miss all of the family I have gained here. Hopefully we do not forget one another and that our roads cross in the future. Notice how the final words are farewells and not goodbyes, this is because we will see each other in the future in one form or another.

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Ja-Rey in her element

announcement.

My best friend was shipped in last night to start the NY2C program a whole week late. Yeah a whoooole long week but she was at another summer camp so ya know it was all good. This passed week we had been disconnected from the world obsessed with speed and slowed down a bit to ground ourselves with the love of culture. We were invited to Wishtoyo and got to stay 4 great days on the restored village site of the Chumash people. I cant even begin to explain the amount of love I felt leaving those lands on our final day.  Those who have dedicated their lives to the culture and who took time to greet and care for us those 4 days are the most amazing people I have every meet. We did so many activities, like kayaking and snorkeling on Limuw island which is the origin place of the Chumash people. through all of that my most beautiful memory d at Wishtoyo is spending many hours of the day learning Chumash native songs and stories. sitting in front of the fire offering prays  was the best night. It reminded me of the pwoer within our culture and ourselves. It was an amazing experience and ooooh i slept outside every night too. (fun fact: you cant see the moon because of light pollution from the city)

Ja-Rey sweats and protects

so honeyyyy, 

Today we were giving the opportunity to play an indigenous game called Mexica flower wars. The objective of the game was to capture the warriors who were carrying sacred staffs by touching the tops of their opponents heads. It really wasn’t as easy as it sounds. The day before we learned how to protect over self using indigenous martial arts.  we learn to block our heads and our stomachs but also learned how to move energy. Our instructor, Hector Pacheco reminded us how disciplined our ancestors were by cultivating a focus atmosphere within the students. He taught us the knowledge behind the game and how those with the sacred staffs represent future generations. The goal for the team was to protect the new generation and to listen to those of the future. Participating in Mexica flower wars built a stronger sense of community at the NY2C program between the students. We were able to communicate with each other and focus our energy on one purpose. From this we would be able to apply the same skills we learn during the game to help enrich our communities. Being able to organize and communicate with people in our community allows use to cultivate the energy and discipline we need to create a more inclusive future for indigenous people all over the world. I had a good time though it was so hoooot up in there. it was funny also, I can’t wait to learn a lot more about…. everything. 

2016 Applications Are Out!

Okay, so the moment you all have been waiting for is here!

The 2016 Native Youth to College Applications are out!

We will be having both the Online and PDF version available. Right now, only the Online applications for both the mentors and the students are available. A PDF version to download will be coming soon. They can be accessed below.

Please go to the Application Page – https://nativeyouth2college.org/2016-applications/ – and select either drop down link for further information on the applications themselves, important dates, etc.

Important Due Dates for both:

  • Application Deadline                                                Friday, April 29th, 2016 at 5PM
  • Notification of Decision                                           Friday, May 13th, 2016 at 5PM

If you have any questions regarding the applications or anything else, please contact Program Director Scott Scoggins at 909.706.5948 or scott_scoggins@pitzer.edu.

Good luck and we look forward to reading all your applications.

October 19th – College Day at Pomona/Pitzer Part 2

Hello again,

In case the previous post was a bit confusing, I would like to clarify it.The Career Ladder in the morning (8-noon) is at Western University and part of the usual Health Career Ladder Programming that WesternU does. The College Day activities starts at 2pm at Pitzer. We thought it would be easier for Sherman and other students to come out for the whole day instead of a few hours.

Here is the Flyer Detailing the College Day activities at 2pm starting at Pitzer below.

October 19th College Day Flyer

 

 

 

October 19th – College Day at Pitzer/Pomona!

Hello Pipeline Family,

We are having an College Day event at Pitzer/Pomona on Saturday, October 19th. The following email is from Simone, the newest member of the Pipeline team.

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Dear Students and Families,

Greetings from the Pipeline to College program at Pitzer College! First of all, thank you to all the students and families for being part of this program.

Second, I’d like to briefly introduce myself. My name is Simone Prince-Eichner, and I have just joined the Pipeline program as the College Prep Outreach Coordinator for Native students. I am a sophomore at Pomona College. My heritage is Jewish, through my mother, and German, through my father. At Pomona, I am planning to major in either history or international relations, and I am considering a career in law—human rights law, treaty rights law, or environmental law. I really enjoy cooking (and eating) all different kinds of food from around the world, being outside, making art, and cuddling with my cat! I am honored to be part of the Pipeline to College community, and I look forward to meeting all those whose paths cross with the Pipeline program.

On behalf of the Pipeline program, I would like to invite you all to our Pipeline to College “College Day for Native Students” event on Saturday, October 19th, at Pitzer College.  In addition to the College Day at Pitzer College, students are encouraged to attend a morning open house for Native Students at Western University of Health Sciences.

What’s Happening on October 19th:
What: American Indian Health Career Ladder Program
When: Saturday, October 19th
           9:00 am – 12:00 noon (open house)
           12:00-1:00 – (lunch)
Where: Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA
About: The Pomona/American Indian Health Career Ladder is a program at Western University of Health Sciences where the University opens up its doors to Native youth and students in the Pomona school district to foster interest in, and learn about, health science careers. Student participants will learn about   planning careers as physicians, dentists, veterinarians, physical therapists, physician assistants, podiatrists, optometrists, pharmacists, and more. Past examples of workshops include: fingerprinting, Diabetes, blood tests, and the importance of healthy eating.

What: College Day for Native Students
When: Saturday October 19
           2:00 pm – 6:00 pm (workshops and tours)
           6:00 pm-7:00 pm (dinner)
Where: Pitzer College – Founders Room (Inside McConnell Center)
About: After an official Pitzer welcome, Bright Prospect will be leading a workshop and discussion on how to navigate college, support networks, the application process, and how to speak out for yourself. Following Bright Prospect, students will be given a back-to-back tour of both the Pitzer and Pomona campuses. Lastly, Pomona students will lead a Mock Interview workshop, where students can practice their interview skills in small groups with peers and gain tips on how to have a successful interview. Dinner at the Frary Dining Hall will give students a glimpse into the everyday life in college.

The end is just the start of something new…..

It was sad at first to see everyone leave…. I didn’t think that it would’ve ended this fast! Now I understand what Fabian said about cherishing the moment…. The saddest thing is that we all learned at the last moment how to cherish… We all learn and knowing is something that we all have to better understand… Because without knowing there is no life for the future generations…. I mean not literally… hahaha not that evil! Well I didn’t know how to say bye… Honest this is not good bye, its more like a see you later. Which we all know that we will, if you really understand that the bond that we created will never break. We are all connected as one family, even though we are hours, miles, or even states away, we now are one. If Alysha reads this, just know that we all love you! I wanted to say bye to you not good bye but just bye. =D To be honest I was going to come to this Program,        I just wanted to stay home, but something told me to go. Now i don’t regret anything at all! Jane I know that at Sherman we didn’t talk that much, but when we came here that changed. Its weird that you see people from day to day and we don’t know that they could be your best friend. We automatically start judging people, but being here made me see people for the people that they are, real. Me making the medicine pouch for Cam was something that wasn’t easy, because of my phobia of sharp objects. I was so happy when I completed it! That was something I never thought I could’ve done! ever! This experience here was amazing! Thank you all for accepting me for who I am!

Love,

Shane Allen John

P.S “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world” remember when you think that you are unlucky. Take a look at the people around and remember you are lucky to have them in our life…….

Our last day……

=/ Today is the saddest day! We already lost Mia…… I don’t want this to be over! I know that I shouldn’t be sad and that everything has an end except the creator. So that is why we should enjoy the time we all have left…. This is something that I thought I wouldn’t being saying but I feel connected to this place; the people, plants, earth, and the breeze….. The people I met made me laugh. And in just a few hours we will have graduated!! Wow…. This is the end… Hahaha luckily we all live in the same area hahaha well kinda… I am going to be going to school in Riverside!! Hahaha and no I am not going to be Jerred roomate. If i was than i would end up in jail because i would make him shut up…

Health Career Choices

Yesterday, the cadaver lab at Western confirmed my interests in the medical field. For a second I was questioning if nursing was where I belonged but now I know it’s not. I think I want to be a doctor. One of the med students pointed out my interest in the movement and muscles of the amputated leg  and suggested physical therapy. I liked that idea, I can add it to the many other things I hope to study. Maybe it isn’t the end of the world if I have to specialize in something. Maybe it is possible the I can do more than one thing. And maybe one day I won’t be so afraid of choosing one thing, maybe when I start studying medicine I’ll find my place.