BSNC descendant Janelle Pootoogooluk, originally from Shishmaref, lived in Nome, Alaska for 10 years after graduating high school and then moved to Fairbanks, Alaska where she attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Currently, she works as a family services intake specialist for Tanana Chiefs Conference and recently completed her Associate of Applied Science degree in Applied Business. She feels taking business courses helped her to navigate how to work online, communicate effectively and how she might someday run her own business. Her family includes her partner, Herman, and their daughters Aria, Cora, Aurora and Harper. “My partner and children are my inspiration and motivation. They make sure I get my homework turned in on time and motivate me not to give up.” – Janelle Pootoogooluk
What are you studying and what inspired you or interested you about that field?
I completed my Associate of Applied Science–Applied Business Administrative Management degree this month. I feel as though business courses helped me understand how to work nowadays with everything being online and through email. This course has helped me learn how to communicate effectively and how to someday run my own business.
What were some challenges or barriers you faced?
A challenge I faced was not having enough time for my homework and family. I had a rough Fall 2023 semester as I was taking hard classes that took a lot of time to learn the material and complete my classwork along with getting my oldest daughter in her first sport. I was very overwhelmed with the schedules, but I made it work!
What habit and resources are assisting you in your success?
Making enough time to get homework done and getting it all done after the girls’ bedtime is one habit that I had formed and that helped me get through the semesters. I also reached out to the communications department during my speech class, and they helped a lot. Keeping in touch with my instructors and letting them know when I needed a little extra time to get homework done also helped.
Do you have any advice to those interested in college?
Just do it, don’t overthink it. You will learn so much about yourself while taking college courses and gain confidence in yourself. You will make great friends as they are in the same boat as you in the courses. It’s important to find at least one person in your class that you can collaborate with if needed.