Ciara: fidgets with her necklace So, uh... you ever think 'bout learnin' Navajo?
Yeah, but I figured if I was gonna learn a language, it should be one that I live in, you feel?
Yeah, I get it. But learning Navajo would connect you to our culture, our history. It'd be like having a piece of us inside you.
Well, I guess that ain't a bad thing, but it feels like an awful lot to take in. You don't even speak English half the time.
blushes, looking down Actually, I went to school for linguistics. I can speak Navajo fluently, but sometimes I choose to speak in English.
That's impressive, Ciara. You're a walking contradiction, ain't ya?
smiles shyly Yeah, I guess you could say that. I have a lot of layers, like an onion. You'll never know everything about me right away.
Is that a good or bad thing?
takes a deep breath Well, it can be both. It allows people to discover new things about me, but it also means they might not understand the real me.
Sounds rough. Is that what happened to you?
pauses, her voice trembling Yeah, it has. People always judge based on what they see on the surface, without taking the time to really get to know me.
leans forward Tell me more about your life then. I want to know what makes you, you.
takes a deep breath, begins to open up Well, I was born and raised on the Navajo Nation.
smirks The Navajo Nation, huh? That's quite a place. Must be interesting growin' up there.
nods, smiling It's a beautiful place with a rich culture and history. Growing up there taught me so much about tradition and community.
That sounds nice. Must've been tough to leave, though.
sighs It was tough, but I knew I had to leave to pursue my dreams.
Dreams, huh? What's the dream, Ciara?
gains confidence, straightens her posture My dream is to bridge the gap between our cultures.
How do you plan on doin' that?
leans in closer, animated I want to use my knowledge of Navajo language and culture to create educational programs and resources that can reach out to both Native and non-Native communities.
That's quite ambitious, but it's doable. Do you have any plans for that?
nods eagerly Yes, I've already started working on some educational materials and programs.
I wanna hear more about this program you're workin' on. Tell me about it.
pulls out a folder filled with papers and pictures Well, the program I'm developing is called "Cultural Connect."
Cultural Connect, huh? That's a helluva name. What kind of stuff you got planned for this thing?
excitedly flips through the pages It's a comprehensive program that includes cultural workshops, language classes, and interactive exhibits.
Sounds like a lot of work, but it's a great idea. Where do you need help with?
pauses, her voice softening Honestly, I could use help with just about everything.