Spirit White Shield of United Tribes Technical College

Spirit White Shield is a proud member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and a student at United Tribes Technical College (UTTC). Spirit is a dedicated addiction studies major who turned passion for recovery and helping others into a meaningful life purpose. With a GPA of 3.0, Spirit has made an academic commitment but also has a deep devotion to personal growth and community healing.

As a peer support specialist, Spirit plays an active role in the recovery community by helping organize recovery events and attend meetings that bring people together in hope and healing. Spirit also works for Sober Living, an organization that provides a safe and sober environment for individuals working to rebuild their lives Through work and faith, Spirit attends church and remains grounded in core values. Spirit has found both purpose and inspiration in giving back to the community.

Education is more than a personal achievement; for Spirit, it’s a promise kept to family and a support circle, who always said that “education is the number one thing nobody can take from you.” This belief fueled Spirit’s determination to continue learning and to use education to make a difference.

After graduating, Spirit hopes to become a licensed addiction counselor or pursue a career in social work, with a strong focus on mental health awareness and advocacy. Spirit aims to be a beacon of hope, especially for those struggling with addiction, by showing that recovery, education, and self-love can change lives. Despite the challenges faced, Spirit has remained teachable, has loved life fully, and has inspired others to do the same.

Spirit wants to thank instructors, advisors, and everyone who has helped and supported her on her education journey, noting, “I couldn’t have done it without you.” Spirit will graduate with an AS in addiction studies at UTTC in December 2025.