Bakersfield College held a student panel Tuesday as part of Native American Heritage Month, bringing together four Native American students and alumni to discuss their educational experiences and the support offered through the college’s Native American Student Success Program (NASSSP).

The event, hosted at the Renegade Event Center, featured students Elizabeth Alvarez, Lawrence Ochoa, Frankie Doreen, and Joey Williams. The discussion was moderated by program coordinator Johnny Nieto and educational advisor Christina Contreras.

For many students, NASSSP offered a lifeline during moments of uncertainty.

Frankie Doreen, a first-year student and president of the new Renegades Native student organization, said counseling and Native American history courses helped her feel grounded academically and culturally. 

“I think that’s definitely helping me learn more about my history and my tribe,” she said.

Elizabeth Alvarez, a sociology and human services major and enrolled Pascua Yaqui tribal member, described a difficult start to college three semesters ago. 

“On my first day, I went home crying,” she said. “But as I got more familiar with the NASSSP program… It’s just like a community that really does help. They help with book vouchers, meal assistance overall, anything that you need.”

Lawrence Ochoa, who returned to college at 62, said the support has kept him moving forward. 

“No matter how many obstacles I run into, they’re always there to pick me up and keep pushing,” he said.

Panelists spoke about Native leadership as a responsibility to the community rather than a title.

Sociologist and community organizer Joey Williams shared lessons from elders who taught him that leadership means “cutting the wood and carrying the water” and doing the work quietly and consistently. 

“It’s not about just what you say,” Williams said. “It’s about what you do.”

For Frankie, leadership is rooted in shared learning. 

“Here at NASSSP, we’re not just one tribe. We learn from everyone’s experiences,” she said. “That to me is successful leadership.”

Ochoa said he hopes to mentor others once he completes his educational goals. 

“What works for me doesn’t work for everybody,” he said. “I want to be able to know what I’m talking about when I go on to becoming a mentor.”

Alvarez, who now serves as a peer mentor for NASSSP, said she understands firsthand what it means to feel lost. She dropped out of high school, later earned her GED, and eventually returned to college.

As a mentor, she now helps students facing similar fears. 

“I’ve had students come to me that want to drop out,” she said. “I just try my best to encourage them to stick to school… there’s always a solution to a problem.”

She said the role has transformed her as well. 

“Being a mentor has really helped me become more of a leader and helped me build self-confidence,” she said.

Panelists also acknowledged the difficulty of finding Indigenous role models in higher education, but many found strength in mentors and community leaders.

Williams named his former guardian, a Yaqui woman, as one of his greatest influences, as well as Native leaders and organizers he has worked alongside. He also described meeting longtime activist Leonard Peltier at a summer ceremony. 

“When he said, ‘I’m proud of you,’ it cut me in my heart,” he said. “That’s the only validation I need.”

For Doreen, her mother, secretary of the Texas Band of Yaqui Indians has been a key guide. 

“I’ve grown so much, learned so much about my traditions,” she said.

Alvarez said Contreras and Nieto have been central figures in her growth. 

“I’m so grateful they believe in me,” she said. “I need to believe in myself so I can move forward.”

When asked what they would tell Native high school students considering college, the panelists urged them to pursue education while staying connected to their roots.

“Just go to college and stick with it,” Alvarez said. “Education is what’s going to help us get out of poverty. I want to break the generational cycle in my family.”

Doreen advised students to seek community early. “Join a program. Something that resonates with you,” she said. “You’ll find safe spaces.”

Williams encouraged students to trust their worth. “You’re your ancestors’ wildest dreams,” he said. “You’re succeeding in a system not designed for you.”

When asked what success looks like as Native students, panelists said cultural pride, personal growth, and community responsibility.

“For me, success is honoring my culture first,” Alvarez said. 

Her goal is to become a social worker serving Native communities. “I want to be able to help somebody with no judgment… and walk with them as they heal.”

Ochoa said success means using both life experience and education to help others. 

“It’s all about giving back,” he said.

Doreen said success is choosing to pursue difficult goals despite barriers. 

“If you want to do something, you should just do it,” she said. “Learning my language, making regalia, continuing to dance. That’s my success.”

Williams shared his own path from foster care to earning multiple degrees. 

“Nothing can stop the plan the Creator has for your life,” he said. “Let’s bring all that knowledge back to our communities and take care of each other.”