Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Inspiring Graduate 2024| Monica Etsitty-Dorame

 **Inspiration from Diné Culture**:






Monica Etsitty-Dorame's journey to becoming an inspiring graduate is not just about academic achievements but also rooted deeply in her Diné culture and personal resilience.

1. **Cultural Foundation**:
Monica's upbringing in the Diné culture instilled in her the values of tenacity and self-reliance. The saying "T'áá hó'ájitéégóó, t'éiyá" reflects her belief that individuals are responsible for their own changes and successes. This cultural ethos has been a guiding principle in her life, shaping her determination to overcome challenges and pursue her goals.

2. **Academic Excellence**:
Despite facing obstacles along the way, Monica's persistence, hard work, and discipline have been instrumental in her academic journey. As the Library Operations Manager at the College of University Libraries & Learning Sciences (CULLS), she has dedicated herself to learning and growth, culminating in her pursuit of a Doctorate in Philosophy in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences (OILS).

3. **Clan Connections**:
Monica's connection to her Diné clans, including the Edge of Water clan, Big Water clan, One Walks Around clan, and Red Running Into the Water People clan, runs deep. These familial ties have provided her with a strong support network and cultural identity that fuel her ambitions and resilience.

4. **Dissertation Dedication**:
Her dissertation focusing on Native women's contributions underscores her commitment to honoring and preserving her cultural heritage. Through her academic work, Monica seeks to shed light on the invaluable role of Native women in shaping history and society.

5. **Family Support**:
Monica acknowledges the pivotal role of her family, especially the women who have been pillars of strength and inspiration. From her great-grandmother and grandmother's resilience to her mother's unwavering support, Monica's journey is a testament to the power of family and community in fostering personal growth and achievement.

Dorame and her husband, Doug

Monica Etsitty-Dorame's story exemplifies the intersection of cultural pride, academic excellence, and familial support. Her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for individuals striving to overcome obstacles and achieve their aspirations, fueled by a deep-rooted connection to their heritage and the strength of their support system.

**A Visionary Journey**:

Monica Etsitty-Dorame's path to academic success and personal growth is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to her goals.

1. **Early Aspirations**:
Monica's journey began with a spark of curiosity and ambition ignited in her sixth-grade classroom. Despite not fully understanding the concept of a doctorate degree at the time, she knew that higher education was her path to achieving her dreams. The speaker's words about the importance of education resonated deeply with her, setting her on a trajectory towards academic excellence.

2. **Navigating Challenges**:
Transitioning into higher education wasn't without its challenges for Monica. Language barriers and struggles with writing initially posed hurdles in her academic journey. Despite facing setbacks and encountering difficulties, Monica remained determined to overcome these obstacles and pursue her educational aspirations.

3. **Finding Academic Fulfillment**:
A pivotal moment came when Monica crossed paths with an English professor who recognized her potential and provided the guidance she needed to excel. This transformative experience marked a turning point in her academic life, instilling her with confidence and fueling her passion for learning.

4. **A Journey of Achievements**:
Over the years, Monica's dedication and perseverance led her to achieve remarkable milestones. From earning her bachelor's and master's degrees to embarking on the challenging yet rewarding path to a Ph.D., Monica's academic journey reflects her unwavering commitment to personal and intellectual growth.

5. **A Legacy of Resilience**:
Monica's journey is intertwined with the legacy of resilience passed down through generations. Her mother's tenacity and perseverance in pursuing a career in healthcare mirror Monica's own determination to overcome obstacles and achieve her goals. Their shared experiences of navigating challenges and seizing opportunities serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.

Monica Etsitty-Dorame's story is not just about academic achievements but also about the strength of the human spirit, the importance of perseverance, and the transformative impact of education. Her journey inspires others to embrace challenges, pursue their passions, and strive for greatness against all odds.

**Dedication to Excellence**:

Monica Etsitty-Dorame's journey at the University of New Mexico (UNM) is not just a tale of academic achievement but also a testament to dedication, perseverance, and a deep-rooted love for learning. Let's delve into her remarkable story:

1. **A Journey of Progression**:
Monica's journey at UNM began as a student employee at Parish Memorial Library, marking the initial steps of her career in the realm of libraries and information. Over the years, she progressed through various roles, showcasing her dedication and commitment to her work. From Centennial Library to Zimmerman Library, Monica's journey was marked by continuous growth and advancement, culminating in her current role as the library operations manager of government information.

Dorame's family: Dinee, Doug and Nena


2. **A Home Away from Home**:
For Monica, Zimmerman Library is more than just a workplace—it's a second home where she has spent countless hours dedicated to her studies, research, and professional responsibilities. Her deep connection to the library is evident in her unwavering presence and dedication, making her an integral part of its vibrant ecosystem.

3. **Nurturing Future Leaders**:
Monica's passion for knowledge extends beyond her own pursuits to nurturing the intellectual curiosity of her daughters, Dinée and Nena. She instilled in them the importance of education and guided them in utilizing the resources of the library from a young age. Her efforts bore fruit as both Dinée, a Yale University graduate, and Nena, a Stanford attendee, excelled in their academic journeys, showcasing the impact of Monica's guidance and support.

4. **A Dissertation Rooted in Heritage**:
Monica's doctoral work in Organization, Information, and Learning Sciences (OILS) is a reflection of her deep-seated admiration for Indigenous matriarchy and women leaders in her community. Focused on Native women in leadership roles, her dissertation pays homage to the resilience, wisdom, and strength embodied by these leaders. Through personal interviews and structured pedagogy, Monica laid a path to leadership in higher education and beyond, celebrating the rich heritage and contributions of Native women.

5. **Gratitude and Recognition**:
Monica acknowledges the invaluable support and mentorship she received throughout her academic and professional journey. From her family and colleagues to distinguished professors and mentors, she expresses heartfelt gratitude to those who played pivotal roles in her success. Her dissertation stands as a tribute not only to her heritage but also to the supportive network that propelled her forward.

Monica Etsitty-Dorame's story is a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the transformative power of education, the importance of mentorship, and the enduring legacy of cultural heritage. Her journey underscores the profound impact individuals can have when they combine passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted commitment to excellence.

**Embracing Achievements and Reflecting on Journeys**:

Monica Etsitty-Dorame's journey to completing her doctorate is not just a story of academic triumph but also a poignant reflection of life's challenges, resilience, and the profound impact of family and heritage. Let's delve into the final chapter of her remarkable journey:

1. **A Journey Filled with Emotion**:
The moment Monica submitted her doctoral work for final consideration marked a culmination of a lifelong dream that began in sixth grade. Overwhelmed with emotion, she knelt down in her office, tears welling in her eyes, as she realized the significance of achieving a goal that had been a constant driving force throughout her life. Despite facing setbacks, including the loss of her beloved Grandma Alice and health challenges, Monica's determination never wavered, highlighting her unwavering spirit and dedication.



Dorame's daughter Nena and Grandma Alice


2. **Honoring Ancestral Legacy**:
Monica's dissertation, rooted in the stories of Native women leaders, is not just an academic pursuit but a heartfelt tribute to the matriarchs in her family, including Grandma Alice and her great-grandmother. Their legacies of strength, resilience, and leadership continue to inspire Monica's journey and serve as guiding lights in her academic and personal endeavors.

3. **Navigating Through Challenges**:
The path to completing her doctorate was not without obstacles. From health issues that postponed her graduation to the intense demands of research and analysis, Monica faced each challenge with fortitude and perseverance. Despite the hardships, her determination to see her goal through remained unwavering.

4. **Looking Ahead with Gratitude**:
As Monica reflects on her journey, she expresses gratitude for the support of her family, mentors, and colleagues who stood by her side during the highs and lows. While she once contemplated pursuing another degree, her current focus is on embracing life's simpler pleasures—exercising, traveling, leisurely reading, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.

5. **Continuing the Legacy**:
Even as Monica celebrates her academic achievement, her commitment to Zimmerman Library remains steadfast. Her presence in the library's basement post-graduation symbolizes not just a place of work but a home where her dreams were nurtured and realized. Monica's journey serves as an inspiration to all who encounter challenges on their paths, reminding us of the power of perseverance, family support, and the fulfillment found in pursuing lifelong dreams.

Monica Etsitty-Dorame's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the profound impact of honoring one's heritage and aspirations. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, inspiring others to pursue their dreams with unwavering dedication and gratitude for life's blessings.

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