James Poitra
Electrical Program and Education Major
Leech Lake Tribal College

I am a 27-year-old Ojibwe man with a turbulent past. I have been incarcerated numerous times in my life. This has been a continuous cycle that took many hardships and lonely nights to overcome. I was recently released from prison. While I was incarcerated, I had a lot of time on my hands to think about the direction my life was heading, and I promised myself that I was going to break this vicious cycle that had taken hold of my life.

Since my release from prison, I have enrolled at Leech Lake Tribal College and have taken great steps towards taking my life down a positive path. When I first stepped foot in this college, I had my mind set on the electrical program. I love this type of work and it doesn't take that long to get the certificate. Since enrolling in college, I have continued my growth in life by becoming more mature and professional. For example, I am a peer tutor in the Learning Center. I am involved with the Student Council. I have even filled in for my math teachers in their absence, not doing much except monitoring a test, but, in my eyes, it was still an accomplishment and honor. I have met with the Tribal Council and represented our student body to discuss reduced educational funding from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe (yet another honor for myself). I have also met with the President of this college about important issues, and I continue to do these things as the weeks pass by. I take great honor in being involved like I have been.

My life has never presented the opportunities I now have, and it is a direct consequence of the changes I have made in my life. The college and its staff have helped awaken a pride in myself that is so refreshing and invigorating that it is beyond words. I now know that I am a strong and capable Ojibwe man.

The steps I have taken since I began my education at the Leech Lake tribal College have been life-changing. I have changed my goals to the point of wanting to continue my electrical program, but also wanting to eventually go for my Master's degree. Slowly over the last couple of weeks, I have been thinking about becoming a teacher. While these thoughts were brewing, my math teacher sought me out to monitor our math class in his absence, and I saw this as the push I needed to make up my mind. I spoke with my fiancé that night, and the next day I met with my academic advisor who was extremely supportive. While speaking to him, I came to the conclusion that I should begin taking approximately 21 credits per semester so that I can earn both my Electrical Certificate and my Associate's degree at the same time.

In the past, I lived a life of selfishness—taking from everyone, including my own people, but never giving anything back. Now that I am a tutor in the LLTC Learning Center, I have a perfect opportunity to help Native people, to serve as a positive role model, to increase my self-confidence and personal happiness, and to benefit the college and the community by promoting education. I now see the importance of holding myself to a high standard when it comes to grades and class attendance/participation, as well as demonstrating a good attitude and positive demeanor.

This is the biggest step I have ever taken in my life, and I am a little leery of the road ahead but it is only the fear of such a drastic change in life. My past, however, has built me for this task. I have the support of my family, friends, and staff here at Leech Lake Tribal College. I am ready and determined. I will accomplish what life has prepared me to do.