Canku Ota
	(Many Paths)
	An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America
	December 15, 2001 - Issue 51
	Din'e College: A Shining Beacon
	by Farmington Daily Times
	credits :art Three Generations of Weavers by Virginia Stroud

The Navajo Nation is facing many hurdles. It faces such serious problems as joblessness, housing, and providing necessary services to a reservation the size of West Virginia. Just where will future leaders come from and from where will they obtain the education needed to lead the Navajo Nation during the 21st century? Some will certainly come from Din'e College. The college is one of, if not the largest Native American institutions of higher learning in the nation. But size isn't what makes the difference - it is the educators, administrators and students. Din'e College has had its share of problems: antiquated facilities, unsure funding, etc. But the combined effort of all those who have a stake in the institution have managed first to keep it operating - against some tough odds - and then to help it grow. Today, the college offers a wide variety of courses that prepare students to become the leaders of tomorrow by first preparing them to move beyond the two-year college and on to four-year institutions. The college is involved in a variety of programs, such as "Bridges to the Future." This is a critically important program because it allows student to work in various fields, including molecular biology, environmental science, organic chemistry and others. These students don't just take a course, they get hands-on experience in research labs at Lovelace Hospital in Albuquerque or the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. So why is that important? Because for some of these students, this will be the first time they have lived off the reservation. This program allows students to get their feet wet and experience a completely new living and working environment. Programs such as these, along with professors who mentor and guide their students, help encourage these future leaders to venture out and obtain their four-year degrees and, for some, their master's degree or Ph.D. None of this would be possible without Din'e College. It is the catalyst that first gives these future leaders the educational foundation they need, then helps them to move onward and upward. Din'e College is helping to groom the next generation, to help it take its rightful place leading the Navajo Nation. The Navajo people, and the people of the Four Corners, are fortunate that it is here. Din'e College http://crystal.ncc.cc.nm.us/index.shtml

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