High school dropout to Ph.D.: One Alaska Native scholar’s path

Tina Woods's life wasn't always focused on education. Raised between Guam and St. Paul Island, Alaska, Woods attended several different schools, eventually dropping out in 10th grade.

"I dropped out, but went back when I realized no one was going to take care of me and I needed an education," she said. After graduating from Bartlett High School in 1993, Woods went on to get a bachelor's degree in psychology.  She figured she was set at that point and had no plans to go further.

"I thought I was done," said Woods. "However, while attending an elder conference in Sitka, I bumped into an old professor who mentioned UAA having a new Ph.D. program in psychology with a rural indigenous emphasis. When I heard this, my heart actually skipped a few beats. I knew it was a way I could make a difference in Alaska for our people."

E.J.R. David, an associate professor of psychology with the University of Alaska Anchorage, said Woods was his first Ph.D. student. Her first year as a doctoral student coincided with his first year as a professor.

"Her passion, dedication and genuine commitment to serving the Native community was very obvious then, and still is today," he said. "She was always motivated to keep going, despite the many bumps and difficulties in her journey toward her Ph.D."

Both Woods and her family made sacrifices. "I started my training in August 2007, when my daughter was seven years old," she said. "My husband raised her while I studied. My normal bedtime was often 3 a.m. I sacrificed my self-care because there just wasn't enough time to get everything done in a 24-hour day."

Woods credits David with being a big part of her support system during those difficult times. "E.J. was amazing," she said. "He listened when I struggled, patiently taught me how to write academically and reminded me often that my strengths with indigenous knowledge and personal experiences were just as important as the course content."

Woods also found support within her family, and says her husband and daughter were understanding and patient, as well as other friends and family. "Elder mentors encouraged me, my husband and daughter were there for me, my professors were remarkable," she said. "Without all of these people, I would have been lost."

The wide range of scholarship programs available in Alaska played a big part in Woods realizing her dreams. She now works in behavioral health at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, where she is director of Wellness and Prevention.

"My entire Ph.D. was paid for," she said. "My region in particular supports students immensely, including the tribe, local village and mother corporations, regional nonprofits and the fisheries. Additionally, there are a number of scholarships available through resources such as Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Indian Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services and larger organizations that will fund students wanting to work with indigenous populations."

Woods says obtaining scholarships is not necessarily difficult. "They do require cumbersome paperwork each time," she said. "But I established templates I could use, as well as relationships to get letters of reference. It becomes easier over time. You have to learn to track due dates, gather your references, get grades ready to submit and meet the scholarship program deadline."

David agrees that scholarship programs are invaluable for today's students. "Scholarship programs provide not only financial support, but mentorship and social support," he said. He urges potential or current students to seek out advice from their mentors and role models in realizing their own educational goals.

"Talk to people you trust and admire," he said. "Don't be afraid to ask them questions about their paths. Learn from them."

Woods advises students who want scholarships to look in every area they can think of. "Talk to university student services and counselors," she said. "They often know what is available and can refer students to specific resources. Many times there are scholarships available that people just don't know about."

Woods also strives to give back by assisting students herself. "I jump on every chance to mentor students who seek my support," she said. "I respond to students who need letters of recommendations for scholarships, interviews for papers or anything else they need."

While obtaining a college degree can seem like a far-off dream for some students, and finding the time, resources and money to pay for it can feel like an overwhelming process, the benefit of higher education is both long-lasting and life changing.

David added, "The amount of money we invest in our students today, as well as time, interest, commitment, care and mentoring, will come back to benefit our society in the future."

Learn more about scholarship opportunities through ANTHC. Application deadline is June 3, 2016.

This story was sponsored by Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, a nonprofit Tribal health organization designed to meet the unique health needs of more than 150,000 Alaska Native and American Indian people living in Alaska.

This article was produced by the special content department of Alaska Dispatch News in collaboration with ANTHC. Contact the editor, Jamie Gonzales, at jgonzales@alaskadispatch.com. The ADN newsroom was not involved in its production.