Tribal member Garrett Wallace is an Enid, Oklahoma native who recently finished his first year at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. He is studying physics and pre-engineering along with running on the track and cross country teams, hoping to improve his overall health and fitness.
“I chose ECU because I saw they had a great physics program and track and cross country program. I plan on finishing my bachelor’s degree here and getting my master’s degree later on.”
During the summer, he worked for ADM Agriculture and plans on applying for an internship for chemical engineering to help improve the company as a whole.
“Mathematics has always fascinated me, and I hope one day I can pursue my career as either a civil or technical engineer. Having the CPN scholarship means a lot to me. Having the scholarship is a huge financial benefit, and without it I would be struggling to make payments for my education.”
Inspired by his cousin Brook Nakvinda, who currently attends Oklahoma State University and participated in a summer internship with the tribe, Wallace would also like to get involved and attend CPN events in the future.
“I hope one day to follow in her footsteps and become more involved within the tribe. Academically, she has been someone who has made me want to improve myself more just because of how hard she tried.”
Like many CPN members his age who are furthering their education, Wallace said he desires to be successful and give back to the tribe in the future.
“I am hoping that maybe one day I can give back to the tribe for all they have helped me and my family out, and become an influential figure to children and teenagers.”
For more information about the services CPN provides for education, please visit https://www.potawatomi.org/services/education or email college@potawatomi.org.