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Coming into the last week it’s been a tough transition in terms of resting and engaging myself. Being a part of this program for the past three years has brought me to the conclusion of appreciating my family heritage and traditions, from these three years it has been very repetitive and continuing to reassure myself. During this summer I have been academically challenged in a college classroom setting so coming into this program it has introduced me relief, calmness, and excitement. Since I missed most of the activities one thing that I have enjoyed is Mayan math, shout out to Santos for having an amazing energy it low key reminds me of my father’s energy. He’s taught me the traditional ceremonies that takes place and the roles that take part in conducting the ceremony, as well as going briefly about the Mayan calendar and how to calculate it. Thank you to everyone that has made this program positive!!.

The last few days we have been doing a lot of activities. One Of my favorite activities was the “native portrait photoshop project.” I liked how we all took turns taking the photos, directing, and being the “documentarian.” I also really liked the basket weaving because it’s always a good skill to know how to do, so I have a little bowl to hold change or any other small objects. My most favorite was going to limuw Island. It was very beautiful, I really liked snorkeling, and being in the beach, it was a good way to bond with everyone that went, and I seen some animals up close that I have never seen before. (Dolphins, a blue whale, and a bunch of different fish)

The past few days have been completely jam-packed with discussions and activities. Ever since we came back from Wishtoyo, we have been exposed to many things to keep us on our feet. Because of that I am a couple of blog posts behind from being so busy but I’ll update that soon. I personally love when we join together in our talking circles. It allows for all of us to open up to each other and gain new understandings. In a discussion we had with Auntie Julia yesterday, we discussed what are ancestors left to us and what we can leave for future generations. My ancestors left for me my culture which makes me. They left me their wisdom and strength to carry his power I possess and grow to spread my knowledge. For future generations I hope to leave my knowledge and past experiences. I hope to grow wise and fufill my duty on this earth. I hope to always be remembered and leave a lasting impact on many. We also were able to connect through basket weaving and a drum circle with Auntie Josie. Basket weaving brought back good memories of the past. It was so interesting seeing how all of our baskets turned out so unique like each one of us. The drum circle was one of my favorite activities throughout the program. We were able to unite through songs and the energy throughout that night was special. Throughout these past couple of days we also toured both the pitzer and pomona campuses. I’ve toured both before however this time I gained more information which eased my nerves regarding the transition from high school to college since I will be starting my senior year this fall. 

Hello everyone, I’m Arlene. Two days ago we did basket weaving with Auntie Sisquoc. I loved it! It was easy to understand and if I got lost or needed help someone would jump in and help me. The first basket I did in my Art Class, it didn’t go so well. The second basket I did, with Auntie Sisquoc, my basket looked amazing. I think it’s because I did it before and her instructions were much easier than my teachers.

I love Indigenous games! I’m really bad at it but everyone around me helps me out whenever I’m struggling. In my opinion, some of the games where we have communicate with each other and I feel like we bond a little I guess. In Indigenous games, we have to really focus on several of the games and if we don’t pay attention to our surroundings, we might get hit with a thick stick. I really enjoy going to Indigenous games, sometimes it’s a work out but oh well.

Basket weaving is what I want to write about today because it was kind of fun. It was was very fun but hard so I wasn’t able to finish making the basket. I know how to make baskets now and I will probably do it again. i had to wet the basket a lot so that it could bend and stuff. Everyone else’s basket looked really cool but mine looked like a daddy long leg spider.

To me, I thought high school was going to be this place where everyone in the entire school become best friends, jump on the tables at lunch and say “we’re all in this together!” When I was a freshman and in high school for the first time, I realized that High School Musical and TV lied about all of that (ridiculous I know). But as the years go by, the more I realize that I’m going to be in college and eventually on my own. When I was a sophomore, I couldn’t wait for senior year and leave my hometown. Recently this year, however, junior year was coming to an end and I start to feel a little doubt in myself. It’s the kind of doubt when you feel like you don’t belong in the college environment with other kids outside the reservation and you feel intimidated by where they come from and how rigorous their classes were when they were in high school. I was also clueless on how to do the whole college application process until Ms. Shelva showed us how last year. I felt more at ease and even confident on going to college, especially the support I receive from my family and friends. I was told by people before me that senior year is the year that you got to work hard than you’ve ever did before and it’s going to be tough. Whatever senior year has waiting for me, I’ll be ready for it. I don’t care how hard school is going to get, all I know is I’m finishing strong, walking across that stage and getting my diploma. I will reach my horizon.

I enjoyed this activity because i could always relate to Disney and the many messages it brings. Disney has dark lessons and hardships in each move. Yet still finds a way to bring hope. I enjoy seeing the science involved in behind the scenes. it was good hearing from someone who worked with Disney in many movies. I was exited to hear that she worked on many of my favorite movies. I don’t favor the Disney movies. but i enjoy the ones that teach kids something.

i learned about different schools these past couple of days. and what caught mt interest was how many opportunities there are in such a small world. i would like to go to one of the schools but it is really far from home. and when i am a signor ill have a scholarship for sports and ill try to get in school that is really strict on the sports. so ill have a better chance of being a professional in whatever i do, but that depends on how much work i put in.

i thought the college that visited us this morning was to good to be true, i mean 10,000 a year? c’mon there’s always a catch to those types of things maybe they need more students to apply so they try to bribe, I don’t know, Not my time tho. I thought Pomona tour was very interesting very old school in a sense. I really loved the arts and image making was really fun had a really great time. The basketry and drum group was really amazing, felt really connected with everyone, all enjoyed. I also enjoy the talking circles with auntie Julia new topic every time nice to hear and see everyone open up. Also a great experience with Mayan Math, and Writing with Shelva, really new and interesting assignments, learning more and more to come!