#AISSLobo
The American Indian Student Services’ #AISSLobo highlights students from across the UNM community on the AISS social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Valisha Neha (Zuni Pueblo) is this week’s #AISSLobo! Lisha is a junior majoring in Elementary Education with a concentration in Language Arts. She selected this major because of her passion to teach the younger generation so they can be successful, and she was inspired by the positive impacts of her former teachers. She’d also like to be a role model & guide students in their education in a friendly environment. Her career goals are to teach Pre-K to First Grade within her hometown (Zuni Pueblo, NM) to give back to her community that has supported her, especially with the Zuni Tribal Scholarship. Connect to her pueblo is very important to Lisha – she is proud to be learning her Zuni language and hopes to teach to it the next generation. Additionally, she participates in traditional doings back home, she spends time with her grandma & aunties learning the language, traditional dishes, and traditional knowledge. Lisha started her UNM journey through the AISB Fall Experience program during her first semester and has been involved with AISS as an Ambassador during the 2023-2024 & 2024-2025 academic years. This past summer, she also worked as a Residential Advisor for the American Indian Summer Bridge program! She stays involved on campus by volunteering with the UNM Children’s Campus and she works with the Pathways for Academic Support and Success (PASS). Her favorite campus study spots include Travelstead Hall and the Fine Arts Library. One campus resource she wishes students knew more about is the tutoring & support available on the third floor of Zimmerman Library at the Center for Teaching & Learning. Lisha is motivated to work hard on her higher education journey because of her family – they inspire her to not be afraid & to try new things and they believe in her, push her to work hard, and cheer her on as she makes her way through any challenges. She shares these words of advice with the Lobo community, “Never give up on your dreams, always take care of yourself, and don't forget to enjoy your college experience and make memories. And don't be afraid to say hello!” Let’s give it up for this amazing Lobo!
