About Bernice:
Bernice Mixsooke is a single mother to three children, a 1st descendant of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin and descendant of the Native Village of Unakaleet, she graduated from Washburn County High School in 2012.
Bernice is pursuing a Liberal Arts Major at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College St. Croix Outreach Site.
Why did you decide to pursue a college degree with Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College?
I was once told a while back that time is going to pass by no matter what, you might as well get a degree. It made so much sense to me because lots of people my age had already received their bachelors degree. I could do that too. I want to push myself up to the next level of careers instead of a regular job. The LCOOC St. Croix Outreach site is based in my hometown, the convenience was a great aspect, but I knew the college has a priority of community.
How is Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College different from other college options?
Almost every part of our college is influenced by our Ojibwe culture, that is not common with a traditional community college.
What has been your favorite class so far?
I’ve enjoyed all of my classes so far, there’s no way I could chose a favorite.
What student organizations are you a part of? Why?
I’ve been apart of the Art Club and attended AIHEC 2019.
What advice would you give someone who is undecided on starting college?
Sign up & start out slow!
What will you do after you complete your degree with Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College?
After I complete my Associates of Arts, I would love to begin working towards a degree in either Human Services or Business.
What does it mean to you to attend college in our local community?
Being based at the St Croix Outreach site, I hope to show others that attending college is something we are all capable of doing. Attending college can open so many doors to advance yourself. I hope that my presence here can inspire someone else to better their lives.
What does it mean to you to attend a Tribal College?
Attending a Tribal College means so much more to me than just gaining a degree, it helps me learn more of my Ojibwe culture and to be a part of other indigenous people furthering their education.
About Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College
The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College’s mission is to provide Anishinaabe communities with post-secondary and continuing education while advancing the language, culture, and history of the Ojibwe.
Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College (LCOOC) is a non-profit Ojibwe tribal community college. Our focus is to help Native students advance themselves in the world, while studying their own history and language. We are an open-door institution which welcomes anyone who would like to work toward a better tomorrow. LCOOC does not discriminate based upon race and will not deny admission to any Native student regardless of tribal enrollment or affiliation.
Learn more at http://lco.edu