PHOENIX — More than 11,000 Arizona State University students are graduating this week ready to leave their mark on the world.
One of them includes a first-generation graduate leaving ASU with her master's degree hoping to help tribes throughout the state of Arizona to find health solutions and interventions that work for them.
Alyson Shirley earned her Master of Science in global health from ASU. Shirley is from the Navajo Nation and is a former Miss Navajo.
"I think it really came to me when I saw growing up on the Navajo Nation the health disparities that affected my own family members," Shirley said. "So I think that's what really ignited the passion for me to go and help people."
Shirley earned her bachelor's degree from ASU and completed her two-year master's degree in one year. She's a first-generation college graduate.
"I really did it for them, my community of Tolani Lake. So I really thank them, the Navajo Nation and the generations before me," Shirley said.
Shirley is hoping to make changes in healthcare interventions for tribal nations.
"I would like to see more tailored interventions when it comes to involving their culture, language and better health solutions," Shirley said.
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