by: MARLENA ROBBINS DINÉ, MESCALERO APACHE & SPANISH M.S. American Indian Studies - Indigenous Rights & Social Justice
Master’s graduate Marlena Robbins working at home with her son Lium. (Photo by: Brian Skeet/Turning Points Magazine)
TRANSFORM SOCIETY
I took two years off from school after completing my undergrad to reevaluate my priorities and find a master’s degree worth pursuing. I knew my study habits were no match for law school having just barely graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice after seven years, but my ambition was still intact and I am stubborn. When I found ASU’s American Indian Studies (AIS) masters program in Indigenous Rights and Social Justice, I knew this was my calling. I was reminded of the social and environmental impacts affecting tribal communities and saw this as my
chance to join the resistance. As a single mother, the professors were understanding and I was able to bring my son along for the ride, granted he was kept entertained with a bag full snacks and his babysitter, the iPad. He is a constant reminder of my determination to teach him the truth in the face of a system designed to keep him compliant. Thankfully, he has built healthy friendships with several of the AIS professors, scheduling Minecraft appointments and adorning their offices with his artistic talent. I did not know what to expect out of
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