Today, we visited the Tohono O’odham Community College and spoke with Paul Robertson!
Sitting around a room listening to the president (Paul Robertson) and a guy in outreach known as Danny, we learned a lot about the community college. Later, two other employees joined us. I was impressed with the amount of pride that those who work at the school take in it. Furthermore, I felt that the employees have a strong desire for the students to succeed and genuinely care about those whom they seek to educate.
Having already researched education among the Tohono O’odham, I already knew of the community college before experiencing it firsthand today; nevertheless, many things caught my attention. On a handout given to us, I saw how those graduating from the community college are experiencing significantly less unemployment. I was also glad to hear about the amount of grant money being offered to the community college. By and large, I got the impression that the Tohono O’odham Community College greatly values educational efficiency. The school wants to enhance the skills of the students in such a manner that minimizes costs. For starters, the buildings are simple and modest, and secondly, the college does not seem to provide the excessive non-academic amenities found at other institutions.
Although the community college will not solve the developmental problems facing the Tohono O’odham overnight, it nevertheless serves as a beacon of hope for future generations to have more upward mobility.
Jacob, I’m glad to see your opinions about education have opened up since our last discussion at Agave Grill. I think equal opportunity of and for education on American Indian reservations is truly one of the most hopeful and potentially effective conquests in the development of better futures for American Indians and Tohono O’odham tribal members.
Education is the key to success in the 21st century!