Tyler Shea Allen (She/Her)

The more I get involved with the Native community, the closer I feel to my Mom. She passed away last year, but during quiet moments I can still hear her saying “I’m proud of you” which keeps me going. This has not been an easy semester, but it has been the most rewarding one I have ever had. My student job provides me the support and guidance I need to not only survive college, but to thrive. I was never involved in much on campus before, but now I get to be an active member of the Native community and get paid to do it! I met so many vibrant and caring people who have provided me the encouragement to work hard and get more involved in my community.

November came and went so quickly along with Arizona State University Native American Heritage Month (ASU NAHM). This fall I was on the planning committee and served as the Downtown Student Vice Chair as well as the Marketing Chair. I attended so many Indigenous events this month and only wish I could have been there for more! I’m already getting excited to start planning for next year. But before I get too ahead of myself, I want to reflect on what I accomplished this Fall.

Through my role as the Marketing Chair for ASU NAHM, I created a weekly awareness campaign for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). I collaborated with the ASU Research on Violent Victimization (ROVV) Lab, who is working with countless community partners to address the MMIP crisis as part of the Senate Bill HB2570. I guess I did a good job, because they asked me to intern with them next semester! It is thrilling to get involved with this cause and I am honored to have this opportunity. I will be the first undergrad student on the team.

I’m gonna make my momma proud!