Tasheena Egan never imagined herself attending the University of Nevada, Reno. From Arizona, she planned to complete her education at tribal schools. But life took her to Northern Nevada for family reasons, leading her to discover the opportunities the university offers, especially the Native American Fee Waiver that covers tuition for recognized tribes, even out of state.
This waiver was a game-changer for Egan. After some thought, she realized she couldn’t let this chance slip away. She applied, got accepted, and started her journey in fall 2024.
“I was nervous about going to a non-tribal university,” Egan shared. The first day, she had to introduce herself in class. In her previous school, she’d always done this in her native language. “I had to choose between my tradition and English. For two years, my identity was tied to my language and culture.”
Recalling her introduction, Egan said, “Yá’át’ééh. Shí éí Tasheena Egan yinishyé…” meaning, “Hello, my name is Tasheena Egan.” Her connection to her roots is strong, as she describes her clans, highlighting her deep cultural heritage.
“It felt great to be my true self, even in a space where not everyone looks like me,” Egan said. She found her peers at the university to be welcoming and curious about her background. Now a senior studying social work, she has embraced her role even more.
Through the university’s Office of Indigenous Relations, Egan built a community and got involved in various activities. “I was excited to connect with classmates and meet new people,” she said. Her experiences led her to the Tribal Students LEAD Program, which helps high school students explore higher education.
“Having cultural knowledge is crucial,” Egan noted. She led workshops where students reflect on their identities, helping them understand their experiences and how these shape their worldview. “For Native students, this is vital for their sense of belonging.”
Egan was recently honored as the college student of the year by the Phoenix Indian Center, receiving the American Indian Excellence in Leadership Award. This recognition acknowledges her efforts and leadership skills.
As she nears graduation, Egan juggles being a mother of three, working as a pharmacy technician, and interning in social work. She travels two hours from Winnemucca to attend classes, staying in Reno during weekends for intensive studies.
Her involvement with the Office of Indigenous Relations remains important. “The support from Daphne, Sequoyah, Markie, and Rayelle has been incredible. They’ve helped me navigate my schedule and opportunities,” Egan said, expressing her gratitude.
“There’s always someone ready to listen to your story,” she added. Her journey reflects the power of support and community in achieving dreams.
As she prepares to graduate with a bachelor’s degree, Egan aims to enroll in the master’s program for social work, focusing on medical and behavioral health for Indigenous and rural communities. Her goal is to provide culturally informed care and advocacy within hospital and tribal settings, making a difference for patients and families.
In a time where the importance of cultural heritage and community support is more recognized than ever, Egan’s story stands as a beacon for others navigating similar challenges. It emphasizes that through resilience and the right support, dreams can become reality.
