Matthew Bowstring Jr. of White Earth Tribal and Community College

Matthew “Matty” Bowstring Jr. began his full-time journey at White Earth Tribal and Community College (WETCC) in the fall of 2023 and is on track to graduate with his Associate of Arts degree in May. In the fall of 2024, he earned a spot on the president’s list with a perfect 4.0 GPA. “I worked extremely hard that semester and seeing my name on that list felt like proof my dedication paid off,” Matty shares. “It reminded me I’m capable of big things when I commit myself.”

His happiest moments? The birth of his five children. “Each time, it felt like the world shifted in the best way,” he says. Holding his babies gave him purpose, strength, and a deeper understanding of why he works so hard.

Matty’s road to success hasn’t been easy. His greatest challenge—and triumph—was overcoming addiction. “I’ve been sober for over four years now, and that journey reshaped my life,” he shares. When he first came to White Earth, he was homeless and struggling but determined to change. “It took strength, honesty, and hard work, but I rebuilt my life from the ground up,” Matty says. That determination led him to WETCC and a future focused on helping others.

His secret to success? Routine. “Staying busy in a productive way and staying on top of homework is everything,” he explains. His definition of success: “Not giving up, even when life gives you reasons to. Resilience is success.”

Matty plans to continue his education at Bemidji State University, working toward a bachelor’s in social work with a minor in addictions.  “WETCC has been the backbone of my success,” he says. “They helped me realize my strengths and build a foundation for serving my community.”