This is my first year at Pitzer college. At first I was really shy, I didn’t know anybody until my awesome roommate made me feel more comfortable. Later on today I still felt like an introvert and I was quiet until we got into the theatre. The games that we did, I felt kinda dumb and then I was starting to have fun. My mentor is also really cool, we share a few things in common and I’m glad she’s my mentor. So today if were to rate it on a scale from 1 to 10, I would give this day a 9 because today was fun.
1st dayy, Aleyah
today was fun cause we did different activities and met new people. My favorite activity was the clapper . I am very thankful to have the opportunity to be here and attend this hand selected program. The best part of being here at Pitzer is how open hearted the people are and how welcoming they are. I am definitely going to miss my family, but its all worth the while.
Jasson’s First Day! Radical
This is my second year doing native youth 2 college program and there are many new faces. So far I feel like I’ve known these people for a long time and feel very comfortable. I’m here because I really enjoyed last year and wanted to experience this amazing program again. The part that I am really exited for is Wishtoyo. I really loved to be at Wishtoyo because I feel like I connected with many people, especially with my piers. Wishtoyo overall was an overall good experience and Would do over and over again. I am honestly not nervous about anything. Actually I know we are going to surf so I am nervous about that. For the next two weeks, I hope to have really good relationships with my piers and mentors. I also hope to learn a little more about myself in terms of my culture and other culture. I am going to try to be open minded with the topics and everybody. My mentor is Belmont and he was actually my mentor last year. We know each other really well. I consider him my friend and a person I can share my thoughts with. Hopefully we can do more stuff with Belmont, such as activities. My favorite part of the day was making clapping stocks. I love to create thing, especially from scratch. I like the idea of making something that’s almost useless, to something that can be used everyday in the next few weeks. The lady (forgot her name) who helped us make clapping sticks is really nice and I remember her from last year. I am really looking forward to having more activities like this, such as building and crafting. Today we also had a talking circle with Julia Bogany. We talked about the rocks in our life. Not literally. It was about who we look up to and who you look for when you want support. It was a really good talk and I’m surprised everybody participated that much on the first day. The clapper stick doesn’t have a meaning for me, yet. I feel like that is something I need to figure out in time. Anyway today was a good day although I am really tired. laters!
zions first day
Today was a great day talked to a lot of new people made clapping sticks with Aunty Julia Bogany. sitting under a half falling over tree Aunty Julia told us about a natural spring that she own in long beach. Aunty Julia made my day today she is such a happy womyn and the rock work shop we did with her made me reflect on my self and how lucky i am to be living the life i am today
Jarrod’s First Day
So far, I feel like i am going to have a ton of fun. The mentors here are really enthusiastic. I met new people, I’m not that good at meeting new friends, but i seem to be doing well so far on the first day. I had even got to hang out with some of my old friends from another college program from two years ago. My favorite part of the day is when we were in the theater and we were do the mirror game.
Isaac’s first day
today was fun. this is my first year here at pizer and it is really fun so far. i want to come here next year and try and encourage other to try this program. i like that everyone is willing and open to tell stuff about their culture. i had fun making the clapper sticks. i like the new people that i had made friends with.
7.11.17 – NY2C First Day Prompts!!!!!
– How does it feel to be in a new place with people who are from many different cultures and backgrounds?
– Why are you here?
– If you are returning, why did you choose to come back?
– What part of the program are you most excited about?
– Most nervous about?
– What do you hope to learn over the next few weeks?
– Who is your mentor and what is one thing you have learned about him/her so
far?
– What was your favorite part of the day?
– What did you do with Aunty Julia Bogany today?
– What do clapper sticks mean to you?
– Julia asked you about who you walk with, who inspires you, who guides you, would you like to share about this important person(s) in your life?
Pitzer’s Native Youth 2017
Welcome students attending this year’s Native Youth to College Pitzer Program. My name is Mika Zephier, and I will be one of the mentors for the program. I am Dakota/Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux in North Dakota. I graduated from Sherman Indian High School in Riverside, CA. I am a sophomore in college at Cerro Coso and will be receiving my Business Degree this upcoming spring. I look forward to meeting all of you.
Dear LA This land is Not Yours!! Welcome to Pitzer!!
Hey Everyone!!
My Name is Phil and I’m from the Tuscarora Indian Reservation. I’m Cayuga on my mom’s side and Tuscarora on my dad’s side. I wanted to say a quick welcome to Pitzer! We’re all super excited for you to be here with us this summer for the Native Youth to College program!! I’m going to be a mentor this year and I’m really happy to be here to meet you all in the next few days. We’re all super busy getting ready for you all to arrive. If you have any questions about me or anything please ask away!! I’ll be living in A211, suitemates with Tekpatl, so if you ever need anything thats where I’ll be!!
Greetings From Monty the Mentor (otherwise known as Belmont)!!!!!!!!!
Hey everybody happy sunday!
My name is Belmont but you can call me Monty if that is easier. First I will give you a little information about myself. I was born in Los Angeles (Occupied Tongva Territory) and moved to New York City (Occupied Lenape Territory) when I was 5. I grew up in the city skateboarding through traffic, cooking for my family, and making pottery in school. After graduating high school I attended University of Edinburgh for college. After a year of studying I left and worked as a cook in Brooklyn. A year went by and I decided to go back to college and was accepted at Pitzer College. I graduated two years ago with a degree in Environmental Policy. Since graduation I have had the opportunity to support a variety of Native-led projects mostly focussed on land defense. I spent the fall out on Lakota Dakota territory contributing to efforts to block the Dakota Access Pipeline. To pay my bills I have been doing carpentry, sustainable landscaping, and catering. I’m hoping to apply to law school or grad school this coming year. I love to write, cook, and learn things and cant wait to learn from all the students this year.
I am currently sitting in the computer lab at Pitzer spending some quality reflection time with my fellow Mentors. This year’s crew is AMAZING! We’re all so excited to meet this year’s group of students.
Cant wait to see you all Tuesday!
Safe Travels
Monty
nativeyouth2college.org 