Relationships, Relavence, and Rigor at Nixyaawii

In the three years since opening, Nixyaawii has made many improvements. For example, we've made developments in relationships, with people around the school, relevance, to the students' interests, or career goals, and rigor, the challenge level at our school.

My relationships with the people at Nixyaawii are much improved. Since I started here in August as a new student, I had to get to know the teachers. Doing this was much easier here, rather than at a larger school. Having positive relationships with the staff is also very helpful with schoolwork, or just simply having somebody to talk to. At the current time, I know my teachers very well, and I believe that it is the same with most students. Another thing is also knowing, basically, every student at the school. This can help keep problems out of the way of learning. This is something positive, and unique at this school, for the students and even the community.

A second thing is relavence. We were directed to take a glance at our class list, and rate how they are relevant to our interests, educational goals, career focus, or anything else. Going through my classes I decided that I enjoy having Language, Publications, Global Studies, and Leadership. Language revives the history of our people, and I like being a part of learning that. Publications gets me to express my feelings, and write, which is something I don't do often. Even though Global Studies is a required class at all schools, it is always something that opens my eyes. Leadership is always a good class; it teaches you how to have the ability to leading in the community. Through all these positives, there are still negatives, such as Science and Math, which I was always told were the most important classes to prepare you for the future. Because of this downside, it means we still have much improvement to look forward to.

My last point is rigor at Nixyaawii. This school is not exactly challenging, if compared to your typical High School. For me, transferring from Pendleton High School, to Nixyaawii Community, was a big change, especially in the way I was used to learning. At Pendleton it was just one class after the other, assignments after more assignments, and this wasn't the learning style I wanted. Coming here it is more interactive, and for me, more fun. I've had my teachers tell me that they expect alot out of me, and expect me to have success from this school. Hearing this reminds me that my success isn't going to be handed to me, it reminds me that I have to earn it.

This is my point of view about Nixyaawii. Despite what some outsiders think of this school, we have many positive sides, and some negative. Relationships, relavence, and rigor are all strong parts at Nixyaawii.

By: Cekais Ganuelas