Meet the Mentors: 2003-2004

Temashio Anderson  
Major: Environmental Sciences
Minor: Geology

My name is Temashio Anderson. My name is To'di'ch'ii nii and I am born for Pomo (Ya-Ka-Mah-Bah). I have four brothers and one sister. My mother's family is from Carson, NM (Eastern Navajo) and my father's tribe is from Northern California. I grew up in Northern California most of my life. I am a Senior with my major being Environmental Science with a minor is Geology. I would like to be a positive role model for this program and plan to stress the importance of a higher education.

Expectation of student mentee:
I expect students to try their best to achieving their goals and work hard. I also expect students to be attentive and respectful. Let them know of any scholarship opportunities available or programs they might be interested in. I also want them to feel free to ask me any questions about school.

Ophelia Begay  
Major: Psychology
Minor: Applied Indigenous Studies

Hello, my name is Ophelia Begay. I am from Keams Canyon, Arizona. I am a sophmore at Northern Arizona University. I am majoring in psychology and with a minor in Applied Indigenous Studies. I like school and a good challenge. I am a hard worker and I love to interact with people.

Expectation of student mentee:
The expectations I have in my student is to be determination in going to school and having respect. An optimistic and ready to learn student will give me more of a hard and ready to always give advice and help to the student. Since, I know the student is willing to work as much then I will give back the same respect.

Kimberly D. Benally  
Major: Nursing

Hello. My name is Kimberly D. Benally. I am 18 years old. I am representing three different tribes. I am half Navajo, a fourth Hopi, and a fourth Isleta Pueblo. I was born in Shiprock and lived most of my life in Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico. Now, I live in Phoenix.

I am a freshman attending Northern Arizona University. This past fall was my first semester at NAU. My major is Nursing with an emphasis in Neo-Natal.

I am looking forward to being an E-Mentor and I am anxious to meet the student I will be working with.

Expectation of student mentee:
My expectations would be that my student will be outgoing and help people in their community. I don't want to be shy and let things slide when they know something is wrong. I would also like them to take pride in themselves as a Native American. I want them to go out and represent our people in a positive way.

Ryan Charley  
Major: Electrical Engineering

Leron Goatsen  
Major: Hotel/Restaurant Management

Ya'ah'teh, my name is Leron Goatsen. My clan is Ute Manygoats born for Zuni Edgewater, my maternal grandparents are Towering House and my paternal grandparents are Red Streak Running into Water. I am currently a junior at NAU majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management. I am originally from Kaibeto, AZ. I am the first in my family to go to college and the second eldest of nine siblings. My goal is to graduate from NAU with a bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and continue for a Master's Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. I plan to open and operate my own hotel, hopefully on the reservation because the Navajo nation really needs economic development.

Expectation of student mentee:
I only have two expectations for a student, the willingness and desire to learn and honesty. Because you have to be true to yourself and want to learn in order to achieve it. If the true desire is not there then it would seem like you are wasting your time. Just be yourself and your true self will certainly shine through.

Samantha Honani  
Major: Elementary Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Education

I am from the Hopi Tribe and belong to the Roadrunner Clan. I am 23 years old and currently a full time student, majoring in elementary education. In addition to being a student I am a mother of two young children. I have come along this far in my education with the dedication of my family and the support of the Hopi Teachers for Hopi Schools Project at the College of Education. I have been taking an active role in giving back to my community and people this semester in volunteering my time as a mentor at the Kinlani Bordertown Dormitory. I enjoy family oriented activities and working with Native youth. I strongly believe in keeping culture and language rich in our people. More importantly giving others the support to fulfill their dreams.

Expectation of student mentee:
The expectations I have for my students will be set high. By creating high goals I feel students will give their best effort to what goals we set for them. I want my student to know that no goal is ever out of reach, if they work hard for it, through dedication.

Marilyn Nelson  
Major: Photojournalism
Minor: Photography

I am from Sanders, Arizona and it is to be expected that you do not know where Sanders is located at, will it is located two hours east of Flagstaff. I hope to get my Photojournalism degree in the Spring of 2007. I graduated from Holbrook High and on my graduation it rained!!! Plus, I was late which was so horrible! I cannot wait to meet you next year until then have a safe winter break and a happy Merry Christmas/ New Year!!!

Expectation of student mentee:
My expectation of my student is for him/her to get good grades, basically just being a good student at Pinon High School. I will let him/her decide on what kind of future he/she would want. I love my Navajo heritage and I long to see more Native American students graduate from Northern Arizona University.

Leonela Nelson  
Major: Pre-Nursing

My name is Leonela Nelson. I am of the Red Cheek clan, born for the Near the Water clan. My maternal grandparents are from the Yucca Fruit clan. My paternal grandparents are from the Towering House clan. I am from Teec Nos Pos, Arizona. I am 19 years old. I went to high school at Navajo Preparatory School in Farmington, NM. Currently I am a 1st semester student at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. I am studying to be a Nurse.

Expectation of Students Mentee:
First of all I expect my student to put forth as much effort as I will be to making this mentoring program work. I expect my student to be respectful and to take advantage of the mentoring program. Lastly, I expect my student just to have fun with everything and to come into this program with an open mind.

Stanison Yazzie  
Dual Major: Construction Management and Business Management

Hi, my name is Stanison Yazzie; I am from Chinle, AZ. My clans are the Coyote Pass People, born for the Towering House Clan, my maternal grandparents are Bitter Water Clan, an my paternal grandparents are the Red Streak Bottom People. I have five beautiful sister, two little brothers, and two wonderful parents. I am a senior here at Northern Arizona University. I am graduating on May 15, 2004 with my first bachelor's degree in Construction Management. I then plan to continue school and get my second bachelor degree in Business Management. After I complete both bachelor degrees I plan to get in the Masters of Business Administration Program at Northern Arizona University or Harvard Business School.

Expectation of student mentee:
The expectations I have aren't complex. I just want to get to know them and know who they really are. I want to share experiences of my life with them and hopefully they could do the same. I just expect them to listen to what I have to offer and what I have to give. I want my students to be good listeners so hopefully they can feel they are given options. If they have questions about school or life, I am willing to give them my full support.