Student Spotlight: Charlene Theobald

Major: Business Administration

Lac du Flambeau

The name I was given is Waaseonakadookwe, (the sound that comes when the lightning strikes behind the clouds). I am a grandmother, mother, auntie, sister, and friend of many. I love family outings, camping, powwow trail, beading, cooking, helping people, traveling, and going to school.

I genuinely enjoy being a part of the LCOOC. I was one who felt I could never amount to anything and when I entered college, that became one of my greatest successes. I graduated with Honors. I became one of the first students to enroll in the Tribal lay Advocacy Certificate Program and graduated from that in 2020. That is when I found what I wanted my career goal to be. So, this pushed me even further to get my bachelor’s degree in business administration, and I am currently in my 3rd semester. The reason I needed this was to make sure that I knew all aspects of having my own business with my colleagues starting a non-profit Tribal Lay Advocacy Organization.

After I plan to get my masters degree which I want to continue into my Law studies. I am also in process of receiving my Associates degree in Small Business Management and Native American Studies. I love this school and am so happy I am a part of it.

Attending a tribal college is especially important. I feel as a role model and mentor for my community I represent LCOOC and would like to see more of our community members know what is available right in our community. LCOOC also has reasonable tuition.

I have been an active member of AISES (American Indian Science & Engineering Society) which I am the President, Student Senate Senator, Vice President of our AIBL (American Indigenous Business Leaders) chapter, and a member of the Student Engagement committee. I have been an intern for Work-Base Learning since 2017 as well as a Peer Mentor Tutor. I enjoy helping other students and staff.

I have spoken to many about college, as well as wanting to get their GED/HSED. I share how I am an example of what can be accomplished. I am proud of myself for not giving up and continuing to make my goals happen. I learned from an elder that “you can be a person who watches it happen, or you can be a person who makes it happen.” I am a person who wants to make it happen and I will.

I am very thankful for being a student of LCOOC and appreciate all the scholarships I have received.