Crystal Rizzo, Mobile, Ala., senior at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs was recently featured in Winds of Change College Guide for Native Americans.
“Perseverance is Crystal’s greatest attribute”, said Anthony Cordova, director of student multicultural affairs. “Through her involvement in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, I have seen her put together programs and events with great skill and always with a smile.”
The issue featured six students who provided advice and personal knowledge to encourage readers to pursue higher education. Rizzo, a member of the Southern Ute tribe, commented on the encouragement that her family, friends and tribe have given her to pursue higher education. She reflected on how some of her mentors in high school helped her to get where she is today.
Her accomplishments didn’t come easy. After her first semester, she came close to losing a tribal scholarship. Through constant encouragement, she was given the motivation to build a better support system for herself the second semester. “I took advantage of the services offered at my school to help improve my grades and also surrounded myself with positive people, which helped improve my outlook on school and life,” said Rizzo.
Rizzo gave credit to many of the resources offered to students on the UCCS campus. Excel Centers offered help in specific academic areas, the student support services, career services and a multicultural affairs office that offers mentorship. Rizzo’s involvement in several clubs on campus such as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society and the Student Diversity Council has helped bring cultural events to the campus.
By utilizing the resources offered to her and building from the encouragement she received, getting through the tough times allowed Rizzo to see how achieving her goals and earning a degree will allow her to help other people.
Winds of Change is published quarterly by the American Indian Science & Engineering Society Publishing, Inc. It is the premier American Indian-published and nationally distributed full-color magazine with a focus on career and educational advancement for Native people.
UCCS, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 26 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s and three doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,600 students annually. For more information, visit http://www.uccs.edu.