“Tell Someone”
Futures’ Friendship Program played a vital role in helping me decide my educational path. My mentors, Sharon and Don Wright, would correspond with me regularly through our letters. By reading my letters, they knew I enjoyed going to school and was willing to challenge myself as a student. When I was in 8th grade and transitioning into high school, I had heard about Navajo Preparatory School and its excellent academic reputation. I knew this was something I wanted to pursue. I shared this idea with Sharon and Don and they immediately supported the idea. My mentors took the time to research the school and would provide me with the information needed to start the application process. The application process was a big task, but I realized having a good educational background could be my biggest asset. My mentors and I strategized our application game plan and we were victorious! I was accepted to Navajo Prep!
In high school, getting into college was the next great hurdle. During my senior year, I applied to several colleges with my counselor’s guidance. I discussed my college ambitions with Sharon and Don; that I was excited, but at the same time, nervous. From my perspective, college would not be an easy task. I also did not know many people who had been to college before. My mentors responded by saying, “You won’t know unless you try it.” That was it. Sharon and Don were always trying to get me to try new things and expand my horizons and those simple words made me realize that is so true.
Once I had been accepted to several colleges, Sharon and Don took me on a road trip to visit them which put me more at ease. This was a good opportunity for me to tour campuses, get a “heads up” on financial aid and see for myself what each college had to offer. I knew I was making an important decision in my life and my mentors were there to guide me. I was very fortunate to have Sharon and Don there with me during that part of my life.
Olivia Redhorse is a Futures for Children Board Member and Systems Analyst for Jacobs Technology at the NASA Johnson Space Center, White Sands Test Facility.