Meet the Mentors

Sheena Bower  
Major: Nursing
Undergraduate

Hello, My name is Sheena Bower. I am Coyote Pass born for Caucasian, my maternal grandfather is Bitterwater and my paternal grandfather is Caucasian. I was born on the Navajo reservation in Chinle, Arizona. My mother raised my brother and I in Southern California. During the summers and school breaks I stayed with my relatives in Pinon and Tselina with my aunties.
I am a junior at Northern Arizona University, my goal is to get my masters in nursing and become a Nurse Practitioner and also earn a minor in Applied Indigenous Studies. I believe education is very important because it creates so many opportunities and benefits.

Expectations of Student:
For my mentee's I will do my best to help you forward your education, but I expect that do your part by returning e-mails, filling out the paperwork and try your best at school. I want to develop a good bond so that I can help you can make the most of this program and achieve your goals. Please feel free to talk to me about anything you need, if it is out of my scope then I will refer you to someone who can help.

Jennifer Burris  
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Undergraduate

My name is Jenni Burris. I was born in Prescott, AZ and moved to Flagstaff when I was 3 years old. I attended Weitzel Elementary School for grades kindergarten through sixth grade. For seventh and eighth grade I attended Mount Elden Middle School followed by Coconino High School for all of high school, ninth grade through twelfth grade. I am currently a freshman at NAU, but only until Spring 2005. My major here at NAU is Mechanical Engineering. I enjoy working on engines, mainly cars, and projects related to the mechanics and fundamentals therein. I also plan to minor in math, as it is one of my strongest subjects. My hobbies consist of autocross (mainly focusing on the sport of touge), working on cars, school, cooking/baking, singing, playing the piano, building car models, sports (soccer and softball), hanging out with friends and family, wakeboarding/water skiing, snowboarding, camping(outdoors), I occasionally sew and scrapbook. My two quotes are: "Happiness is a journey, not a destination" and "Turn your hobby/passion into your career and you'll have the ultimate job."

Expectations of Student:
I expect my student to have a good attitude and willingness to learn new things. I expect that my student will be accepting and open-minded to new ideas or concepts unknown to them. I expect that they will behave with maturity and have respect for others. I would like to be treated with respect and will in turn treat my student with respect.

Melody Delmar  
Major: Internal Affairs
Undergraduate

James Garcia  
Major: Elementary Education
Undergraduate

My name is James and I am Tohono Oodham. I'm from Tucson and I have two younger siblings, Bruce and Michelle. I came to NAU because of the small class sizes and the true college town experience. I enjoy skiing and spending time with friends and family. I also like helping subsequent generations achieve their goals when I can, that's why I am looking forward to being a teacher.

Expectations:
My only expectations are to always question what you don't understand and give yourself the best opportunities to learn and succeed.

Leron Goatsen  
Major: Hotel/Restaurant Management
Undergraduate

Hello, my name is Leron Goatsen. I am originally from Kaibeto, AZ. 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 senior at NAU majoring in Hotel and Restaurant Management. 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 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 have two expectations for my student, the willingness to learn and honesty. You have to have the desire to learn and motivate yourself or you will just be wasting your time.

Samantha Honani Lee  
Major: Elementary Education
Undergraduate

I am from the Hopi Tribe and belong to the Roadrunner Clan. I am 24 years old and currently a full time student, majoring in elementary education. In addition to being a student I am a mother of three 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 working especially hard in my program of study, being that it is my last semester of classes before I student teach in the Spring. 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: Elementary Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Education
Undergraduate

Nasheena Nevayaktewa  
Major: Exercise Science with an emphasis in Chemistry
Undergraduate

Hello my Nasheena Nevayaktewa. I am 22 years old and I am part Navajo and as you can see (last name) I am part Hopi. I live in Farmington, New Mexico, but I am originally from Ganado, Arizona. I have two younger brothers, Ryan and Cameron and I have one younger sister, Lindsey. I am a junior at Northern Arizona University and my major is Exercise Science. After I graduate which I am assuming is Fall 2005, I am planning on either going to Physical Therapy or Physician Assistant School. I really enjoy and love working with kids so hopefully, someday, I will work in a children's hospital.

Expectation(s) of student/Mentee:
All I expect from my student is to be energetic, fun, happy, and cool. I also want them to ask as many questions about school, life, or anything that they are curious or dying to learn about. I will try to answer all the questions to the best of my ability. I am a very energetic and fun person who is up to doing just about anything. I want to be able to help my student/mentee out with anything they need help with, whether it is school work or they just need someone to talk to.

Additional Info/Comments:
Like I indicated above I am a very energetic person. I like to play basketball, run, workout, go bowling, pool, rock climb, mountain bike, and read lots of books! I like to hang out with friends, go out and watch/rent movies, and go to Barnes and Noble to drink a nice hot cup of coffee while reading a magazine or book.

Antoinette Thompson  
Major: Criminal Justice
Undergraduate.

Hello! My name is Antoinette Thompson and I am 18 years old. I am from the Pueblo of Acoma, but I am also Laguna and Navajo. My clans in Acoma are Big and Little Eagle. I have 4 brothers and 1 sister, only my youngest brother lives wit me though. I am interested in helping out as many people as I can throughout my life, especially Naitve Americans. I am majoring in Criminal Justice. My goal is to one day join the FBI or CIA.

Expectations:
I just want my mentees to have a good friendship with me. Good communication is always good. All I want is for us to be as open as we possibly can, and to learn something new from each other.

Memarie Tsosie  
Major: Psychology
Undergraduate

Kodiak Yazzie  
Major: Masters of Business Administration
Graduate

Hello, my name is Kodiak Yazzie. I am currently in the Masters in Business administration (MBA) at Northern Arizona University (NAU). I am half Navajo and half French Canadian, representing the Salt Clan. I have an undergraduate degree in computer Information Systems with a Web Technology Certificate. I also played basketball at NAU for the previous four years. I have become an expert at managing time to balance my personal life and academic career.

Expectations of student mentees:
My expectations of mentees are that they strive to learn and excel in school. I would require them to be open and honest and listen to the things I have to say. I feel I have many experiences and advice which could be useful for the mentees.

Stanison Yazzie  
Major: Construction Management
Undergraduate

2003-2004 Mentors