NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH "I am a second-year student here at UNM-Taos and am seeking to further my education and career pathway in pediatric nursing. What makes me proud to be a Native college student is having the opportunity to break many educational stereotypes that have been set in place among our Native people for many generations. Reflecting on our true history, many of our ancestors had very negative experiences with educational systems, specifically those among boarding schools. As I consider my experiences in college thus far, it makes me proud that I am one among many Native students who is able to further my education and create a great foundation for myself that will ultimately serve as a great representation of my communities and my people. Eager for what is ahead, I see a future that is full of promise - a future that is set in a hospital providing adequate care to those in need. I see a future that brings awareness of health disparities among minority groups and gives back to the communities that have shaped me and influenced my pathways in various ways." STUD Sydnie Pino San Ildefonso, Taos Pre-Science Program/ Student Government Senator YOU BELONG HERE NM TAOS taos.unm.edu NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH " I am a second - year student here at UNM - Taos and am seeking to further my education and career pathway in pediatric nursing . What makes me proud to be a Native college student is having the opportunity to break many educational stereotypes that have been set in place among our Native people for many generations . Reflecting on our true history , many of our ancestors had very negative experiences with educational systems , specifically those among boarding schools . As I consider my experiences in college thus far , it makes me proud that I am one among many Native students who is able to further my education and create a great foundation for myself that will ultimately serve as a great representation of my communities and my people . Eager for what is ahead , I see a future that is full of promise - a future that is set in a hospital providing adequate care to those in need . I see a future that brings awareness of health disparities among minority groups and gives back to the communities that have shaped me and influenced my pathways in various ways . " STUD Sydnie Pino San Ildefonso , Taos Pre - Science Program / Student Government Senator YOU BELONG HERE NM TAOS taos.unm.edu