Scholar Stories
Amanda Dionne
Augsburg College, Major: Business Management
Robbinsdale Cooper High School, 2007
Service-to-Children Project: Golden Eagles, Minneapolis
As a member of the Ojibwe and Northern Cheyenne tribes, Amanda has seen close-up the challenges that prevent many from the American Indian community from participating in post-secondary education. “American Indian families have developed an adverse view of educational institutions due to negative experiences from past generations,” says Amanda. “Being a Page Scholar provides me with a platform to showcase to my community the positive aspects of going to school.” Amanda is in her third year at Augsburg College where she is majoring in business.
Twice a week, Amanda meets with students participating in the Golden Eagles Youth Program at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. At Golden Eagles, she helps American Indian students complete their homework and sharpen their academic skills. Amanda believes her most vital role as a Page Scholar is to serve as a guide-post, pointing students towards educational success. ‘Rarely do these students see a young adult of their race do well in college. By seeing me take on that challenge and do well, it encourages students to explore the same path.”