From stay-at-home mom to student leader: A grandmother’s return to education

Meet the new president of the Student Government Association at United Tribes Technical College

Geneva Kazena always knew that one day she would return to school. A grandmother of eight, she’s finally traded bedtime stories for textbooks and PTA meetings for student government sessions. Now, as the newly elected Student Government Association president at United Tribes Technical College, the 44-year-old is redefining what it means to be a leader in higher education—proving it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and inspire a new generation.

Kazena is now a recognized leader on the UTTC campus, working hard to meet students’ needs. Just a short time ago, she was eager to begin her own higher education journey. In retrospect, it wasn’t long ago that she was eager to pursue a higher education. Before the pandemic, her focus was on raising her family. After COVID-19, she felt a strong desire to return to school.

“It was a long time coming,” Kazena said. “I felt the want and need inside myself. As a grandmother, I wanted to set an example for my kids and grandkids.”

As Kazena’s second year came to a close, she accomplished two big milestones: walking with her associate’s degree during graduation in May and being elected the Student Government Association’s new president. Her predecessor, Tanner Veo, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and research after serving in the role for two years. When the SGA opened applications for the presidency, Kazena and several others applied.

Last year she served as the secretary for the SGA and vice president of the Student Professional Education Council. Her instructors encouraged her to run, recognizing her passion for education and how it would enhance her resumé. The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation citizen also said she wanted to become more involved in the campus community.

“There’s a lot of meaningful connections in joining the Student Government Association,” she said. “I hadn’t really been in the workforce for years before that. I’d basically just been a stay-at-home mom, trying to figure out things for my kids. And after they graduated, it was like, okay, what am I gonna do for me now?”

Recently, her 19-year-old son RedSky Starr and 20-year-old daughter Lexi Starr have joined her on campus. Kazena’s youngest child lives on the Fort Berthold Reservation and is a freshman at Killdeer High School, about 30 minutes away from their home in Twin Buttes. The rest of her children are over the age of 19.

While most of Kazena’s kids are adults, she still has plenty of contact with little ones thanks to her eight grandchildren, three who are about to go into elementary school in Killdeer. Her short-term goal is to become an educator at their school. “I want to be a part of their education journey too,” she said.

Kazena entered the third year of her elementary education program this fall. During her fieldwork, she focused on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades. Although Kazena initially didn’t have a specific preference for grades K-5, she now hopes to teach 2nd to 4th grades due to the personal growth she observes in that age group.

“It was a long time coming. As a grandmother, I wanted to set an example for my kids and grandkids.”

Geneva Kazena, the newly elected president of the Student Government Association at UTTC.

“I feel like when you think back on your times in elementary school, a lot of times you can remember your teacher from then,” she said. “You can remember your friends from then. It’s an important part in your life that helps shape young people to become who they are.”

Brenda Rhone, the Teacher Education Chair at UTTC, ​​recognizes Kazena’s dedication to her studies. “She made a jump start doing a lot of credits right away and she’s just been great,” Rhone said.

Since Kazena began the elementary education track, Rhone has witnessed her eagerness to learn about various aspects of the field. After having her as a student, the instructor feels confident in her skills.

“We need teachers in general, but to have Native American teachers is just a win-win,” Rhone said. “She has lived a little more of life, and so she’s ready to jump into that spot. You just know she’s going to be a leader in any school, and take it to that next step and be a great educator for future students.”

Kazena will be the first in her family to graduate from college. After working as an elementary school teacher, she plans to return to school to pursue a career in higher education. Having paused her own development and career to raise her six children, she understands the challenges many face when navigating the education system. “I would like to continue my education for higher education because I feel like our young adults get left behind sometimes,” Kazena said.

Sandra Starr, a teacher education instructor at UTTC, has Kazena for three classes this semester. Prior to being an instructor, Starr knew Kazena as a Twin Buttes Elementary School parent.

“I was a principal, so we didn’t always agree,” Starr said. “But it’s been really refreshing to have her as a student, to see her passion and her desire for change in making a difference as a teacher. There’s been so much growth that I’ve seen in what she wants to accomplish and what she wants for the future, not only for her as a teacher but also for the students whose lives she’ll change.”

The instructor notes how Kazena is always willing to assist her classmates. As the SGA President, Kazena aims to support students in their educational experience at United Tribes.

Once she was elected last spring, Kazena recalled feeling excited. She said it was an honor to be able to collaborate with young adults at UTTC. Throughout the last year, the SGA hosted and contributed to several successful events, including the annual Masquerade Powwow, Horror on Harmon and the Human Trafficking Awareness Walk.

“Student government is up and rising,” she said. “It’s a good thing, not only for the students involved but for the future.”

At the first SGA meeting of the year on Wednesday, Kazena and other students came together to plan events for the semester. The next event is an Orange Shirt Day Awareness Walk on Sept. 30, where participants will wear orange as a symbol of solidarity for survivors and victims of Indian boarding schools and will walk around the Lone Star Arena. UTTC President Leander “Russ” McDonald is set to deliver a speech at the event. The organizers will soon determine additional details, including the time and speakers.

The next SGA meeting will be held in the multi-purpose room next to the Cozy Creek Cafe at the James Henry Community Center and Gymnasium on Oct. 2. Kazena urges students to participate, meet the other SGA members or relax and eat lunch while sitting in on meetings.

“A lot of times I just like to invite students,” she said. “Everybody is on your side. They want you to succeed. You can ask questions and somebody is going to know or they’re going to know a way to help you out.”

Dateline:

BISMARCK, N.D.