Believe in Yourself and Your Abilities

I’m interested in practicing law within the Rocky Mountain region in the areas of environmental law and Federal Indian law. Specifically, I hope to work with and for tribal communities in the protection of tribal sovereignty.

 

During the summer of 2022, I took a study-abroad course called “Stealing Culture.” On that trip we visited Scotland, London, and Greece. While in London, I was able to visit my great-great-grandfather’s headdress which has been held by the British Museum. I’m extremely proud of that moment and thankful for the opportunity. It solidified my belief in the reasons I’m in law school and has encouraged me to continue to keep pushing so that I can someday uplift my community through the work I do.

 

Law school is a different environment than undergrad. I found it challenging battling the impostor syndrome that can sometimes manifest into negative self-talk and self-doubt. But I found support in a close-knit group of friends and realized I wasn’t alone, that a lot of my peers were feeling just as lost as I was. We all encourage and uplift each other.

 

I also found other law students who are mothers, and that connection meant a lot to me because being a law student and a mom can be challenging. It was nice to find other moms who relate to the same struggles I often face balancing my coursework and motherhood.

 

Also, I’ve had a couple of great mentors — Celyn Whitt and Cristina Salazar — successful women of color who were already navigating law school. And I appreciate the support I’ve received from Dean Hoyt and Professors Jason Robison, Darryl Jackson, and Lauren McLane, as well as Dr. Jackie Bridgeman. They’ve all encouraged me to stay on the path I’m on and have reminded me of my strengths and abilities.

 

The clubs I’ve joined have reinforced a feeling of community here, and I’ve been asked to be involved in other events that have highlighted who I am and the work I’ve been doing.

 

I am the Secretary for the Wyoming Wellness Advocates, the mental health club at the law school. We try to provide support for all law students, because law school is stressful. We’ve done meditation events, “venting” events, and events that allow us to get together and just have fun.

 

I’ve also been involved in the Native American Education, Research, and Cultural Center on campus, and I’ve sat on a few panels, one regarding Native voices in the National Park System and one focusing on the work I’ve been doing in repatriation.

 

UW offers a lot of great environmental law courses taught by some of the best professors. I’ve done an externship with the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources with Temple Stoellinger. I worked a summer with her on international wildlife law where I researched laws around wildlife conservation in specific countries. I have also been offered a clerkship position with the Native American Rights Fund in Boulder, so I’ll be spending the summer of 2023 there, focusing on issues that are important to Native Americans throughout the country.

 

I chose UW because it is close to my hometown of Ethete, which is on the Wind River Indian Reservation. I can go back and forth between home and Laramie more often, which is important to me because I am so connected to my community. Going home always fills my cup and rejuvenates me.

 

Favorite moments:

In Laramie, I enjoy spending time with my daughters. We like to go to the theater and watch movies and going out to enjoy boba and cupcakes downtown. I also really enjoy spending time with my friends outside of law school, and I actively participate in the events that happen within the Native community on campus.

 

Advice for incoming law students:

My advice for incoming students is to show yourself grace. Take care of your mental health and know that it is okay to rest. Believe in yourself and your abilities!