Sophia Bagola

 . . .

My name is Sophia Bagola;

I am from the Oglala Lakota Sioux Tribe. I was a Political Science Major and Native American Studies Minor at Metropolitan State College of Denver (MSCD). I will be graduatied in summer 2011. Since I have been at Metro I have been challenged to think critically and intellectually about the current educational system and the way it relates to the global environment. I am eager to attend graduate school and someday go back to my reservation and teach and show positive leadership.

        I am was working for the Journey Through our Heritage at MSCD. The program is wonderful and has been the most challenging and rewarding experience I have had since I have been a student. In this program I have had the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of working creatively with Indian youth.
        I have been working with the Indian Education office of Lakewood, which is a non-profit organization that works with Indian students. This program is supportive of the “No Child Left Behind Act”, and it is the goal of every worker to outreach to Indian students for the purpose of tutoring and mentoring students in grades ranging from k-12. I While working out of the Indian Ed. Office I have gained knowledge and skills of working in a professional setting with great responsibilities and confidentiality.
        I have also worked with a group of students who attend Lakewood High School. I really enjoy and benefit from this opportunity because this particular group of students is focused and aware. These students have enlightened me by showing me their awareness of the unique educational and culturally related academic needs. They themselves have made the conscious decision to attend Lakewood high for its challenging academics. They students understand the benefits of going to a school like this and travel far to do so.