Meet Mica Dejolie, a Foster Grandparent at Navajo Mountain High School in San Juan County, whose dedication and passion for education are making a profound impact on the students and the community.
Before joining AmeriCorps, Mica had an incredible career. She’s a proud retiree of the Bureau of Indian Affairs – San Carlos Irrigation Project, where she worked tirelessly to support infrastructure on Native lands. Mica also holds a bachelor’s degree in Native American Studies from Arizona State University. After years of serving in county election departments, she sought a way to give back to her community in retirement and found AmeriCorps Seniors’ Foster Grandparent program to be the perfect fit.
“I wanted to serve on the reservation,” Mica shares. “Oh, I love working with the kids! We’re all learning something new every day—me included! I try to encourage them to study, to listen to their teachers, and to be self-reliant. I want to teach them to pick themselves up when things get tough because one day, they’ll have to rely on themselves.”
Mica’s passion for helping students extends beyond academics. Recently, during Native American Week, she dressed in traditional clothing to teach students about Navajo culture. “I showed them the biology of the sheep organs when they butchered one. They really liked it. Then, I helped them cook and work with the meat, teaching them about the foods their grandmothers lived on before hamburger stands. I love sharing traditions like this—they help students connect with their heritage.”
Her commitment to Navajo Mountain High School goes beyond cultural lessons. Mica works closely with a special education student, helping her build confidence and skills. “She loves biology! She can name all the bones and picks up Latin terms quickly. But she struggles with reading and math. I’m helping her find ways to translate her intelligence into those subjects, and I see her improving every day. I think she’ll catch up next year!”
Mica’s presence is deeply valued by staff and students alike. Mr. Carlson, the principal at the school, shared, “Mica connects with the students in ways many teachers can’t. She brings in this respect and knowledge through her culture that the students actually listen to her. She makes the students feel more comfortable and at ease. One student, who wouldn’t work with anyone else, became completely focused within minutes of working with Mica. She keeps her focused, on task, and addresses her needs.”
Volunteering has brought immense joy and purpose to Mica’s life. “It gets me out of the house and keeps me busy,” she laughs. “I love helping the kids.”
Mr. Carlson says on behalf of Navajo Mountain High School: “Thank you, Mica. She doesn’t realize how much she means to our staff and our students. We can already immediately recognize the impact she has made on these specific students and on our school in general. We have teachers who are constantly complimenting her for her work with the students. A really heartfelt thank you to Mica. It’s been amazing to have her here.”