Connecting Hearts & Cultures: Road Scholars Volunteer at a Navajo School

Tracy Kee Introduces Participants to the Culture

Tracy Kee, Road Scholar Program Coordinator at Northern Arizona University, has managed this program since 2016. She met her Navajo husband, Eric, while they were teaching in Italy. After marrying in 2007, she moved to the Navajo Nation.

During the seven-day Road Scholar program, which focuses on assisting students and educators in Navajo schools, participants learn about the culture through various extracurricular activities. Tracy shares local sites and museums with participants and introduces them to experts like James Bilagody, a Navajo musician and cultural presenter. Groups sometimes enjoy a traditional meal of mutton stew and blue corn fried bread with James’ sister at her hogan, a traditional Navajo dwelling. Tracy’s husband, Eric, talks with Road Scholar groups about his culture and plays his handmade flutes.

Flexibility is Paramount

Volunteers stay at the Cameron Trading Post, about an hour’s drive by van to the Tuba City Unified School District, where they work in two of the six schools — Dzil Libei Elementary in Cameron, Ariz., in October and Tsinaabaas Habitiin Elementary in Gap, Ariz., in February.

“Our Road Scholar volunteers are here to listen, learn and to contribute based on their abilities,” says Tracy. “We start with an orientation and try to place individuals according to their strengths. The emphasis is on flexibility and filling in classroom gaps.”

“Our Road Scholar sessions accommodate 14 people, maximum, due to the size of the van,” says Tracy. Each school has 50 children, from kindergarten through fifth grade, with students ranging from 5 to 11 years old. Classrooms have one teacher, and Road Scholar volunteers help the teachers by working individually or in small groups to help with reading and math. Besides math and English, the children learn about their history and how to speak Navajo (Diné bizaad).

Devoted Volunteers

As with most public schools across the country, it’s not always easy to find enough teachers or resources in the Navajo educational system, so volunteers are welcome, and their assistance is greatly appreciated.

Tracy is thankful for the Road Scholar volunteers who have helped over the years. Many of them have returned time after time. Californians Melissa C., a retired nurse, and Deb M., a former professor, started volunteering together in 2018. Melissa, with 42 years of neurotrauma/ICU nursing experience, loves to help the children with math. In addition, she shares her stethoscope with them so they can hear their heartbeat. Deb has a background in education, from preschool to college, and prepared teachers at California State University Long Beach before retiring. She helps the children with reading and shares her love of quilting with them.

Since Melissa and Deb began volunteering, they’ve been back six times with Road Scholar as well as on their own during the year to drop off supplies from their church. They check in with Tracy during the year to see what the children need and make the 500-mile drive each way to deliver clothing, books and art supplies. “The children love books!” says Deb.

“Volunteering was my idea,” says Deb. “I had heard about Road Scholar and found this program. I asked Melissa if she had ever considered tutoring on the Navajo Reservation. We tried it, and we loved it,” she says. “It fills my heart with joy,” says Melissa. “The children all gather to hug me when I arrive.”

Walking in Beauty

Hózhó is a Navajo word that means ‘walking in beauty’ or living in a manner that strives to create and maintain balance, harmony, beauty and order.  Encompassing a tapestry of grasslands, forests, mountains, mesas, canyons and deserts, the Navajo Nation is truly a place of beauty.

In addition, “their culture is beautiful,” says Deb. “We’ve learned a lot from being there. We know how to show our respect and understanding for their lives and culture and how to honor it. If you’re willing to learn, they will teach you. They love sharing their culture.

“We want them to know that there are people who care about them without changing the essence of who they are,” says Melissa.

“Their spirituality is beautiful,” says Deb. “They are equal with each other, animals and plants. We understand and share the glory of nature — Mother Earth and Father Sky — with them, and we are thankful for this beautiful world we live in,” she says. “We have fallen in love with this Road Scholar experience.”

Melissa and Deb agree that volunteering at the Navajo schools and spending time with the children is one of the best things they’ve ever done. “We are grateful to Road Scholar for offering us this opportunity,” says Deb. “It brings me back to reality.” Melissa adds, “It’s an exceptional program — kudos to Road Scholar! I don’t know who thought of this idea, but oh my.”

A Rare Opportunity

Lisa C. from Illinois uses her vacation time to travel solo with Road Scholar to the Navajo Nation. With two programs under her belt, she plans to go every year. “It’s a great program, and there are not a lot of opportunities to do anything with the Native tribes,” says Lisa. “The only program I could find was with Road Scholar.”

Lisa enjoyed helping the fourth and fifth graders with their homework and preparing them for the next day. “They love the one-on-one attention. I’m heartbroken to leave them,” she says.

“I grew up in California and used to travel through Northern Arizona,” says Lisa. “I have learned to love that area. There is such an energy — it makes me feel good. I love being in that presence there.”      

Why Road Scholars Return

“Our Road Scholar volunteers return for different reasons,” says Tracy. “Some want to give back, and some want to bring attention to the reservation and talk about the unfiltered version of American history that was swept under the rug.”

Most volunteers treasure the opportunity for human connection across cultures. For Melissa and Deb, it was the children. “The children and the Navajo community were so warm during our first program that we knew we would be back to help again,” says Deb.

“More people would like to volunteer than we can accommodate,” says Tracy. “Our schools are small, and we don’t want to overwhelm them. It’s a labor of love,” she says.

Lisa is planning her third Road Scholar program because she wants to give her time and effort to this community — yet she acknowledges that she benefits as well. “After spending time with the Navajo educators and children, I feel like they gave everything to me. It all comes back to me, tenfold. That’s what it’s about,” she says. She adds, “Tracy is the most wonderful person. We learn something new every time.”

Susan O. from California has participated in this Road Scholar program 15 times since 2008. “This is an incredible experience for anyone interested in Native culture, meeting and interacting with Native Americans — not just reading about them,” says Susan. “For anyone like me who is fascinated with the Southwest, this is an opportunity to spend a week doing something useful.” 

Thirty Years and Counting

Tracy is grateful for the Road Scholar volunteers who have provided help where it is needed most in the elementary schools. “We extend our sincere gratitude for the 30-year partnership we have shared with Road Scholar,” she says. “As Road Scholar celebrates its remarkable 50th anniversary, we reflect on the countless valuable experiences and impactful collaborations we have had together over the years.”