Lashaya Whipple of Sinte Gleska University

From Todd County to the SGU LPN program, Lashaya Whipple is already shaping herself into the kind of nurse her community needs. A freshman at Sinte Gleska University, Lacha’s educational journey began earlier than most as she first stepped into college-level coursework as a high school student through SGU’s dual-credit program. Even then, she knew she wanted to pursue something meaningful, but she also recognized that she wasn’t ready to leave home just yet. Staying close to her family and community felt right, and SGU became the natural choice.

Transitioning from high school to college came with challenges, especially when her nursing prerequisites demanded higher academic rigor. Courses like anatomy and physiology, CNA training, and medical terminology pushed her outside her comfort zone. But with resilience, and a solid support system, she found her footing. Her favorite course today is CNA, where hands-on labs fuel her enthusiasm and help her grow as a visual learner.

Lashaya’s passion for nursing is deeply personal. As the older sister of five younger girls, she dreamed of being present during their births. Although she wasn’t allowed in the delivery room, hearing her family’s stories, especially the difficult ones, inspired her to become the kind of labor and delivery nurse who brings compassion, clarity, and cultural understanding to Native mothers. Her long-term goal is to specialize in this field and help improve maternal care for Native families on and off the reservation.

Equally important to Lashaya is what it means to be an educated Native American in society. She often encounters misconceptions about Native life, and she values the opportunity to learn both her culture and modern healthcare. She believes Native representation in nursing is essential, and she intends to be part of that change.

Looking back, Lashaya says she would tell her 14-year-old self to stay adaptable and trust that every challenge happens for a reason. She credits her parents and younger sisters for supporting her journey, even serving as “practice patients” as she sharpens her clinical skills.

Today, SGU celebrates Lashaya not just as a student, but as a future Native nurse who leads with heart, purpose, and pride. Her story reminds other students that staying close to home, staying true to yourself, and pursuing education with determination can open doors to meaningful futures.