Non-traditional student and mother
helps guide teens through her work
Lavanna Under Baggage balances being a mother, a full-time employee, and a non-traditional college student pursuing her bachelor’s degree. A Golden West connection provides her with the opportunity to learn from home and live in the place she loves.
Lavanna works full-time as a student support service specialist with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Education Department. Her role focuses on youth outreach and educational support – work that is personal to her. As a teen mom and the second youngest of eight siblings, Lavanna knows how valuable guidance and encouragement is.
“When I was younger, I didn’t always feel like I had someone,” she says. “Now, I want to be that person for the youth. I have the opportunity to help students working for the tribal education department and be part of the student organization board at Oglala Lakota College.”
In addition to her career, Lavanna is currently a junior at Oglala Lakota College, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in tribal arts and Lakota studies. Lavanna chose her bachelor’s degree to learn more about her culture and to teach her children as they grow up.
“As indigenous people, knowing we have our culture with us every step of the way pushes me forward,” she says. “It really makes me into the person I am today, and I can pass it along to my children to keep them going forward, too.”
Lavanna and her husband, Gary, have children ranging in ages 7 to 13 and live a mile outside Kyle. Their days often begin early and end late, as their kids are involved in extracurricular activities. Lavanna says studying from home makes her life easier, allowing her to care for her kids.
Before Golden West, Lavanna tried other providers but felt frustrated with her experience. While her internet service allows her to pursue her bachelor’s degree, she also appreciates the human aspect of Golden West. Whenever she has a question or runs into an issue, Lavanna says someone is always ready to help on the phone.
“With other providers, I was on hold for over an hour and a half and still trying to explain internet problems to my instructor,” she says. “But with Golden West, I called and talked to a real person right away. It was a weekend, and they still walked me through the issue, and I didn’t have to wait until Monday.”
Knowing the people behind the service also adds to her experience. Lavanna is familiar with local Golden West employees and technicians, as one of her husband’s friends works for Golden West. She says seeing people who grew up in the area now working for the cooperative adds to the connection.
“We have a busy life,” Lavanna says. “I love my job and it’s a blessing to be in my hometown. I get to know my kid’s friends and their parents. I feel secure knowing my kids are in good hands with people from my community.”
