Enhancing Native Student Support & Success
Sun Devil Child Care Subsidy Scholarship
By: Tylesha Yellowhair
Tribal Affiliation: Diné
Major: American Indian Studies
In the article “Sun Devil Parent Guide” featured in our Fall 2018 issue, Turning Points highlights the resources available for student parents attending Arizona State University. Among these resources is the Sun Devil Child Care Subsidy scholarship, of which Diné Sun Devil undergraduate Tylesha Yellowhair has been a recipient of for four years. We asked the soon-to-be graduate and mother of two to share her words about how this resource has supported her in her higher education pursuits.
Yá’át’ééh. Shí eí Tylesha Yellowhair yinishyé. Tódích’íi’nii nishłį́, Tł’ááshchí’í bá shíshchíín, Naakai Dine’é dashicheii dóó Tó’áhaní dashinálí.
Hello. My name is Tylesha Yellowhair. I am Tódích’íi’nii (Bitter Water Clan), born for Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People Clan). My maternal grandfather’s clan is Naakai Dine’é (Mexican Clan) and my paternal grandfather’s clan is Tó’áhaní (Near the Water Clan).
It is because of awards such as this I am able to pursue education in the Valley. This subsidy provides the extra support I need to not only get ahead in my own education, but for my children as well. It has aided in the costs of school lunches, field trip fees, babysitters and school supplies. My first time back to school as a mother, I really didn’t know if it was possible to receive aid for being a parent, but Maureen Duane (ASU Family Resources program coordinator) advised me that this program was created for student parents like me.
Student parents do not receive enough recognition and encouragement for all their efforts in pursuing education. My dad always told me, “Your children are a reflection of yourself, be who you want them to be.” Everything I am and hope to be is for my children, my goal is to expose them so much to higher education that they anticipate attending college.
The Sun Devil Child Care scholarship has graciously awarded me for four years now. If you are in search of additional aid or support systems, I encourage you to apply for this scholarship. Not only will it offer financial assistance, but they will direct you to any family resources or events happening each semester. Support is essential and the Sun Devil Child Care scholarship is there to give it to you.”
