Ten Points for success at ASU
In our center story, we asked Native students to share their purpose in attending college (pg. 22–23). Take some time and jot down what your purpose is. Post your purpose(s) somewhere visible to remind you why you are going to college, and let your vision statement motivate you to persevere.
The beginning of a new academic year is often fun and super exciting. We have intentions to get straight A’s, be involved with organizations, travel abroad, attend conferences, publish manuscripts, design stellar projects, workout regularly and tend to family. The list of aspirations is usually long and hopeful. We encourage you to determine your goals and then review them often throughout the year. There are no bad days, but there are difficult circumstances. We encourage you to get back on track because another day will follow. Remain committed to your goals; we are cheering for you!
There will be late nights, where you will lie in bed and ask yourself, “Am I meant to be here?” You are (President Crow thinks so too, pg. 4). Remember that before ASU was built, our Native relatives were here first. Their strength resides in this place. Do not forget that important fact. The map enclosed in this first edition was designed for us to remember that Indigenous peoples have been here since time immemorial. Our relatives would tell us, you belong here at ASU. Let’s listen and believe them.
You are paying to attend college. Your tuition and fees help pay for many of the services and activities at ASU. So, take advantage of them!!! See a meeting you’re interested in learning more about (pg. 11)? Go attend that meeting. Hear about a speaker giving an exciting talk? Go to it and take some notes! Have a question about financial aid? (pg. 24) Go and seek out answers.
College often pulls you in multiple directions. It is easy to lose track of ourselves. Carve time for yourself. Go for a run or hike. Do some yoga (pg.20)! And if you are starting to feel stressed, depressed or overwhelmed, talk to someone and seek help. Know that you are not alone and that the person you talk to has probably encountered what you are going through or has experienced struggles too (pg. 25). Professionals are trained to provide support, but they cannot help unless they know it is needed!
AISSS provides weekly highlights that include so much good information such as scholarships, internships, events and much more (pg. 6–7). These highlights are tailored with Native students in mind. They are packed full of informative and beneficial content. Sign up by sending an email to signup@AISSS.asu.edu.
This is a hard one to do, but so important and related to the tip above about taking care of yourself. If you question being stretched-thin, go back to your purpose and goals. If the request is not aligning with your life goals and purpose, it’s ok to tell yourself “not right now.”
Family can be extremely pivotal for support and encouragement. Family includes your nuclear, extended and clan relatives. Family also includes friends, partners, teachers and mentors. Tell them you care for them and that you are grateful for their support. Expressing words of gratitude goes a long way in strengthening those relationships and also in recentering you. Remember, they wonder how you are doing. While college is a crazy busy life, don’t forget to give them updates.
Not going to lie, this is hard, but can be very rewarding. Some of your most memorable experiences while attending college will be those times that you had the courage to try something new such as engaging in spaces where you may not have pictured yourself before. This magazine is an example of us starting something new. We stepped out of our comfort zone into a learning zone driven by a commitment to help you.
Our Native people have a real good sense of humor. They say laughter is good medicine. Enjoy college life by having fun and laughing often.
