Blake Long, Communication & Project Manager, Chickasaw Foundation: Occasionally, the Foundation will do a “Where Are They Now?” story on past program recipients. This first one is with former Chickasaw Foundation scholarship recipient Artrice Pray. I had the chance to correspond with him via email and discuss his journey, how the scholarship assisted him, and what he’s learned along the way.

BL: Artrice, thanks for taking the time to contribute to this. First, tell us your current vocation and where you hope it takes you.

AP: I worked as a public defender for about two years before transitioning to my current role as a Judicial Law Clerk. I am also the Assistant Camp Director for a special needs summer camp, Camp Sequoia. Thanks to our tribal scholarship initiative, I have obtained my Associates of Science in Liberal Arts, my Bachelor of Science in Political Science, my Master of Science in Management, and my Juris Doctor (JD). I hope to continue my legal practice and eventually run for judge in my hometown.

BL: You were the recipient of the Judicial Scholarship – Law Student Scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year. Can you tell me how receiving that scholarship changed your path?

AP: Receiving financial assistance through both the Chickasaw Nation and Foundation greatly assisted me in being able to afford nine years of higher education. Without this help, textbook fees, tuition, living expenses, and basic needs like clothing would have been an extreme barrier to my ability to go to college for nine years. 

BL: If possible, please share what was happening in your life when you received our scholarship and how it may have impacted or supported you.

AP: I enrolled in college right after completing high school. I was young and had little formal guidance on how to navigate the stresses of adulthood, especially as it related to finances. I knew I wanted to pursue a path in law but was not prepared to financially support myself on that long, arduous path. Our tribal assistance programs, including the Foundation, not only helped me complete my first three degrees with no student loan debt, but they also helped relieve the financial burdens of college that aren't directly tuition. Textbooks are expensive, study groups expect you to pick up the check for dinner every so often, professional attire is expected in certain classes, and for access to other opportunities like a paid Graduate Assistant job. Our tribal initiatives take into account the full college experience and are designed to help you through it all. 

BL: Lastly, what lessons have you learned since receiving the scholarship?

AP: Closed mouths don't get fed. No one got anywhere in life without help along the way. This isn't a handout, it's an investment. Our tribe is strong when our citizens are strong. Higher education is how we can continue to advance our tribe's goals, and the citizenry will be much better off for it.