“The older people are the only ones who can tell you what their youth stands to lose,” he said. “The young are the only ones who can articulate the loss of an identity rooted in a mother tongue that has become foreign to them.”
I work in Navajo language education. Most insecurity in Navajo adults derives from this single disconnect. It seems later in life, in those that have connected "to the rest of contemporary humanity" at the expense of learning their language, give up because of the complexity of the language, especially the verb.
The thing about going back to my reservation home (the one that is offering a place to stay) is that there is absolutely no internet available. So, I've chosen to suck this up. Last year I did a 500+ mile walk, before I started heavy therapy, and I camped out every night. It's almost the same. For the time being, I'm happier. I've already had 2 interviews and applied wherever I could for work.
But the home I just left - no. I left that place for good.
I have definitely reworked my short-term plans, and I've set aside the long-term hopes to focus on getting into a local community college. With $1K tuition rates, it's a huge difference from Stanford, but I'm still trying to work out how get in before the term starts. The past few days have been a rollercoaster, and I'm glad I waited the lowest parts out because I feel a lot better. Thank you for finding this thread and sharing - it helps!
Leaving mid-term was the big mistake here. I didn't understand how outside scholarships would be cancelled. There was a balance on my student account for the longest time that is now in collections. But other debts are simply medical related. It was a daily 100 mile round trip during therapy, and I let things get off track while I was getting treatment. At the time, it was the only thing I felt I could do.
This is reassuring to read. There aren't a lot of people around me that I can relate to, so when it comes to the situation I'm in, I guess I panicked a little because I'm actually on the streets now. I have a few cents in my bank account, but I am hopeful as ever. Thank you
I lived in Winslow and am in Flag currently. I think you are exactly the type of person I was hoping to reach. There's only so much that words can describe when it comes to cultural differences. I know that now -- I was hesitant to reach out because I wasn't sure if anyone understood the challenge of Rez-life. Ahéhee'!!
I really do want to go back to Stanford. The change I was referring to was the culture. There is so much brilliance in a place like that, and I was not prepared (as someone that rode the school bus 4 hours a day for most of my public schooling) for such a huge change. I owe Stanford tuition, though, so that isn't an option until I can pay it off.
I want to have enough stability to go back to school and to be in a place where I can explore technology and create amazing stuff. I beat cancer, my work has been featured in the newspaper, I've helped people by connecting via technology, and I've generally done what has made me happy. But there are genuine cultural differences between me and my (Caucasian) step-father that I finally decided to leave behind. I have looked after my mentally-disabled step-brother for a long time, and I am sad that I had to leave him behind. Right now, I am worried that I won't have a bed to sleep on anymore. But, I did manage to apply with a local startup (I got amazingly lucky) and I will see them on Monday. I feel I am starting to focus more on myself - which is something that resonated with me in your reply. Thank you for offering perspective.
The Suggested Reading section gives a really good starting point to DSP, electronics (including Radio and RF design), and Programming (C++ and Python). It's been a great help to hobbyists like me.
I work in Navajo language education. Most insecurity in Navajo adults derives from this single disconnect. It seems later in life, in those that have connected "to the rest of contemporary humanity" at the expense of learning their language, give up because of the complexity of the language, especially the verb.