Diné College Students Expand Horizons Through Vassar College’s Exploring Transfer Program
TSAILE, ARIZ. Diné College students recently participated in Vassar College’s prominent Exploring Transfer (ET) Program, an immersive academic initiative that combines cultural exchange and rigorous liberal arts coursework. Held at Vassar’s picturesque campus in Poughkeepsie, New York, the program has provided a transformative experience for its participants, fostering personal and academic growth.
Now in its nearly 40th year, the ET Program welcomes students from partnering institutions, such as Diné College, to engage in intensive courses designed to broaden perspectives. This year, Diné College students Raymona A. Calamity and Kirsten L. Parrish enrolled in the program, earning college credits through courses tackling economics, literature, international studies, and geography.
“The Exploring Transfer Program is a period of incredible challenge and incredible growth for students,” said Charlotte Gullick, Interim Director of the Exploring Transfer Program at Vassar College. “These students bring unique perspectives and a strong sense of responsibility to the program, significantly contributing to our learning community.”
Calamity and Parrish had the opportunity to learn alongside students from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds, exploring critical global and local issues such as migration, displacement, and livelihoods. They connected broader contexts to their own, showcasing Diné culture and insights, particularly in discussions of resource extraction and environmental challenges.
Raymona Calamity, reflecting on her experiences, noted her positive engagement with both her coursework and peers. Gullick shared, “Ramona brought a fresh perspective, linking global issues in Africa to water challenges faced on the Navajo reservation, which deeply impressed professors and classmates.”
Adding to the program’s success was Tylia S. Begaye, a Diné College alumna who previously participated in the ET Program and returned this year as a Residential Teaching Fellow. Her leadership marked a milestone as the first Diné student to serve in this role, further reinforcing the connection and collaboration between the two colleges.
Thomas Bennett, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs, Diné College, played a pivotal role in supporting students throughout the program. “His partnership ensures that our students feel safe and supported through every step of this life-changing opportunity,” said Gullick. For both Calamity and Parrish, this marked their first time traveling by plane, a testament to the program’s ability to expand horizons beyond the classroom.
Students in the ET Program not only gained academic exposure but also grew through cultural exchange, meeting peers from across the U.S. and abroad. “They’re immersed in a diverse environment, discovering common ground with people from different walks of life,” Gullick added.
Through initiatives like the ET Program, Vassar College and Diné College continue to inspire a growing number of students to pursue higher education with broadened perspectives and newfound confidence.
