Help Send Sariel to Berkeley (Engineering)

eʔ p esya̓ʔ

Sariel Sandoval łu i skʷest

čn upn eł x̣n̓ut smx̣ʷop

či se̓liš, qlispé, u ox̣ʷiceʔ

tl̓ ocqʔetkʷ u či sqelixʷ

Hello everyone.

My name is Sariel Sandoval and I am 19-years-old.

I am Bitterroot Salish, Upper Pend d’Oreille, and Dine' of the Bitterwater Clan.

I am from Ronan, MT and reside on the Flathead Reservation.

I was recently admitted into the University of California- Berkeley with the intent to major in Engineering: Mathematics/Statistics and minoring in Native American Studies. Berkeley is the ideal college for me and my future goals.

I was recently informed that Berkeley doesn't give any gift-aid (scholarships/grants) to out-of-state students.

Despite such obstacles, I do plan to continue working towards my education as I am a dedicated worker who intends to come back after college to help my people, tribe, and community.

I take pride in what I have done so far, such as Speech and Debate, where I have spoken about issues such as Cultural Appropriation, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Indian Education for All, and Dismantling Privilege. I took 2nd at State, 3rd at "National Qualifiers," and am headed to Nationals. Additionally, I am well accomplished within the Ronan High Schools' Technology Student Association. My participation in TSA has strengthened my bond with STEM. I have been our Chapter's Treasurer, Secretary, and am currently the Chapter President and State Officer President. I am also the Student Body Vice President of my high school's Student Council.

I have participated in Empower Montana, Native American Club, RHS Leadership Team, Students Together Against Negative Decisions (STAND), and I am proud to say that I am a Hopa Mountain Indigenous Scholar of Promise.

My volunteerism ranges from the We Are Our Youth's Future Lawsuit, COVID-19 Mask Making, Fundraising for Special Olympics, Annual Community Clean-up, Tribal Health Community Leader, and more.

As if paying for college wasn't challenging enough, my family currently runs on one income that supports a seven-person household with two college students. Unfortunately, my family will not be able to contribute much, if anything, in terms of financial support. So any donations are extremely appreciated!

*UPDATE*

Thank you for all of your support so far!

I am reaching out for financial assistance again as I start my sophomore year at the University of California, Berkeley.

My first year has been a rollercoaster of emotions as leaving home for the first time was a drastic change. The first semester I experienced a tremendous culture shock as I was far from my family, friends, community, and land. And because of this low, my grades and GPA were affected. During winter break, I took the time to heal and adjust to the fast pace of UC Berkeley and the Bay Area environment- going back to school ready to succeed. Since then, not only have my grades and GPA skyrocketed, but I have also gained the position of Data Analyst at Berkeley's Bridges retention and recruitment organization: the Indigenous and Native Coalition (INC). Alongside an internship at the Native Community Center through the Native American Student Development program.

Although I have made progress and am continuing my education at the number one public university, the scholarships are not coming in due to the status of the first semester.

I wish that my adjustment struggles are not perceived as my ability to accomplish my educational goals but understand the scholarship's hesitation.

I am turning to the community for help as the 69k out-of-state tuition is an incredible amount that I cannot afford without assistance. Alongside tuition, I chose to live off-campus, which was the cheaper option as opposed to UCB's 20k dormitories.

Any and all help is appreciated, whether that is a donation of $1, $10, or even a share on your social media pages.

Le̓mlmtš! (Thank you)