Navajos
are not exactly known as businesspeople. And yet, when you think
about it, there are plenty of business folk on the rez: the jewelry
crafters, the burrito vendors, the haymongers and, sadly, the bootleggers.
Some people think bigger, and the next
generation may be booming with savvy young entrepreneurs.
Chinle High School juniors Tiffany Teller,
Tex Carroll Jr. and Sharonna Yazzie recently became the first Diné
students from a reservation school to be awarded the Future Pin
by the Future Business Leaders of America.
The first in a series of ranks FBLA members
can achieve, the award requires a daunting slate of activities,
including writing essays, doing community service, fundraising for
the FBLA's favorite charity, the March of Dimes, and promoting FBLA.
"It was a lot of work, but we were
determined," said Teller, who is Bit'ahnii (Folded Arms Clan),
born for Deeshchii'nii (Red Ridge Clan). She added they had a lot
of encouragement from each other and their club sponsor, accounting
teacher Serena Jimmy.
"They're the first! I'm very proud
of them," said Chinle High FBLA President Taylor Silversmith,
who ironically does not have her own pin yet (but she's darned close).
Eventually, Teller wants to become a forensic
accountant and bust white-collar criminals. Carroll, who is Kinyaa'áanii
(Towering House Clan), born for Táchii'nii (Red Running into
Water Clan), wants to open his own dental office, and Yazzie, Ma'ii
Deeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass Clan), born for Naakaii Dine'é
(Mexican People Clan), is leaning toward something in the sports
field.
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