So, I have made it a point to not put too much faith and expectations for assistance from the Navajo Nation government for scholarship assistance just because of their lack of urgency and basic customer service. I apply for other scholarships to other foundations and have been successful and doing great. So, with doubt in my mind still I decided to ask for assistance for Spring semester from my chapter. I completed my application August of 2014. From August to January, I have been trying to get assistance for this Spring semester for just $250. It took 4 months to finally get approved for assistance with repetitive calling, follow-ups etc. I felt like I was bugging them to do their jobs. I know one of their requirements is to show up at their scheduled planning meetings and go before our dignitaries and community members to personally request for funding. I have on my part, attempted many times to be present to chapter meetings to represent myself so that I may be awarded a scholarship for spring semester but quorum was not met on MANY occasions which resulted in the meeting being rescheduled which delayed my assistance. I have done my part in turning in all required documents ON TIME. Being in attendance to chapter meetings is an issue largely due to its inconvenience of time and location, lack of communication on when meetings are scheduled and if they are rescheduled; and shortage of quorum. Many times, one of my dignitary has lied to me about when the meeting will take place and THEN changed the date just so I would not be present. I mean, why would you do that? This dignitary was persistent to not have me awarded a scholarship and he has repeatedly denied my family assistance. But I was resilient, I was determined to not be pushed down and I kept at it. Kept calling, writing letters, kept showing up to meetings and on January 11, I was approved for assistance and the checks were written out. So from January 11 to today, our dedicated and encouraging leaders have not signed the checks. I am just amazed to see their lack of leadership, there selfishness and just pure laziness. I am sorry but really? Why does it take so long to receive help when our officials and leaders have the power to make a positive change, to motivate our young generation, to give them a chance to become their fullest potential and assist them in developing their respective skills and talents so they can become contributing citizens. Many times, I thought of declining assistance from my chapter but I was fixated to see HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO RECIEVE HELP and the results are baffling. I mean, as a Navajo Nation, we are a great nation, we are looked up to as a great government but yet we cannot help OUR OWN PEOPLE. Why is that? Why? I am sorry if this post may offend people but I am simply speaking my mind. We should have a better system and not make it so difficult for our people to receive aid of any types. So to people who go through this, I am sorry because it is time consuming and heartbreaking. I cried, I cried because it just isnt right, because I am a good person and I want to give my people the best, I love my people and I want to see my people succeed. Some of you may say well if it is hard then look else where for assistance Yes, I can do that BUT this is an issue that needs to be addressed. I am thinking for my siblings, the younger generation behind me. I am looking out for them and I am saying, things need to change from the grassroot level and become a helping community, a contributing community, a loving community. Wasnt it like that before? It was. We need to take a moment and reflect and see through observing eyes that we need a change. We need to be caring and loving so that we may finally showcase our greatness to the extending communities, border towns, states and then the world. Maybe then, will our people not suffer as much, maybe then will our people become motivated to better themselves because then they will feel the love and hear the encouragement and only then will the people finally pick up a pencil, a tool, a voice and do good and be good. Maybe then will our attitude, our agenda and our dreams change and we can unite and be great.
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 00:47:37 +0000
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