Pictured is the 2017 graduation! 2021’s graduation picture was unavailable.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
2017: Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with minors in math and secondary education.
2021: Undergraduate Licensure in Teaching Credential-Secondary Education.
Tribal member of Kwigillingok
Jodi’s Personal Statement:
First of all, thank you AVCP for financially supporting me throughout the many years. Without the financial support, I would not be where I am today. Waqaa, my name is Jodi Friend. My Yup’ik name is Agguggaq and I am named after my great grandmother Magdalene Wiseman from Chefornak. I was raised in Kwigillingok and I am a tribal member of Kwigillingok. I was a teacher at Ayaprun Elitnaurvik in 2018-2019 and Kwigillingok School in 2019-2020. I am currently teaching at Bethel Regional High School as one of the high school math teachers. My future plans are to continue to teach where needed under the Lower Kuskokwim School District for the next several decades. The Lower Kuskokwim region is my home. My family and I gather berries, fish for salmon, and hunt for the winter because it is part of our way of life and our Yup’ik culture. For anyone wanting to go to college or training, I urge you to GO FOR IT. Step out of your comfort zone and reach the stars and don’t forget where you come from. It all starts with you and that first step. Be a leader or role model for the next generation. Quyana.
And Quyana to you, Jodi! Your success is an inspiration, and we wish you many happy successes in the future.
