2010 Skins Fest Scholarship Award

I am a 26-year-old female from the Dine Nation, the “Tangle People Clan.” I am also a single mother that has returned to school. I am delighted that I was recently admitted into the Masters of Social Work Program at Cal State University of Los Angeles. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for receiving this award. My educational accomplishments could not have been reached without the support of organizations, such as the Barcid Foundation and the LA SKINS FEST. Financial support is encouraging and secures my seat in my masters program. I can’t express enough how this opportunity has helped me professionally and personally. Statement from Sharon Yazzie, the second recipient of the SKINS FEST SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

As a youth, I struggled with drugs and alcohol and am proud to say that I have been in recovery for the past eight years. Since entrance into a 12-step program, I found my calling, which is to become a substance abuse counselor. Now my endeavors are to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Ultimately, I would like to oversee a Mental Health department, the Department of Children and Social Services or as a Director of a Substance Abuse Facility for women & children. As a Native American female who has battled with several barriers that continue to plague our Native community, I feel that it is part of my calling to be an agent of change in the “cycle of dysfunction” in my family and to be a positive role model for my community. I am doing this by furthering my education, being involved in community events, sponsoring recovering alcoholics and addicts, attending ceremonial sweat and involving my daughter in pow-wows as a “tiny tot.” I also mentor Native American’s that struggle with returning to school by walking them through the registration process and help them file scholarships. Thus far, I have helped over 15 Native American’s return to an institution of higher education. In a professional setting, I co-facilitate the Annual Wellbriety Celebration at United American Indian Involvement, Inc., facilitate the weekly ‘Talking Circle’ and volunteer in the Strengthening American Indian Families program as a mentor. I plan on facilitating the SAIF community program with my significant other. In addition, I have volunteered with the Native American female prisoners that are incarcerated at the Correctional Facility for Women in Chino, CA. Sincerely, Sharon Yazzie, B.S., CATC, CCJP