Tasheena Egan is a Navajo student from Arizona who now attends the University of Nevada, Reno. She originally planned to continue her education in Arizona at tribal schools. A family move to Northern Nevada changed her plans. Egan had completed her associate’s degree at Tohono O’odham Community College and considered pausing her studies. A friend told her about the University of Nevada, Reno’s Native American Fee Waiver, which covers tuition for all federally recognized tribal members, including those from out of state. Egan decided to apply and started her studies at the university in fall 2024.
Egan found the transition to a non-tribal university challenging. In her first in-person class, she introduced herself in Navajo, sharing her clan lineage and cultural background. This was a tradition from her previous college. Egan reported that her peers at the University of Nevada, Reno were welcoming and interested in her background.
Egan became more involved on campus through the University’s Office of Indigenous Relations. This helped her connect with other Indigenous students and build a support network. She participated in campus events and met new people, which contributed to her sense of belonging…