BMCC students are making waves! Social Science student, Tristan Bouschor, was selected for a prestigious internship for The Indigenous Summer Research Program (ISRP), an 8-week summer internship with The Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity Center (RISE) at Northwestern University!
This is a remarkable achievement, as Tristan is one of only 10 Indigenous undergraduate students to be selected.
 
Tristan would like to share more about his achievements and goals:
 
Aanii, my name is Tristan Bouschor. I am a 27-year-old member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians residing in Sault Ste. Marie, and I am a student at Bay Mills Community College pursuing a degree in Social Sciences. Following a previous summer health institute that was hosted by the American Indian Higher Education Consortium at the University of North Dakota, I have discovered a passion for social research, and I want to be able to use that passion to serve LGBT+/2S (Two-Spirit) indigenous groups.
 
Unfortunately, indigenous people who identify as LGBT+/2S are underrepresented and often misunderstood. I am a firm believer that education and research are the most direct ways of understanding those who identify within that category. With education comes better ways of caring for LGBT+/2S Natives in terms of health, wellness, and cultural significance.
 
My goal is to be able to participate in community-based research with LGBT+/2S Native communities so that we can achieve social equity and develop educational pathways for others to learn what it means to be both Native and LGBT+/2S. To start the development of my research skills this June, I am honored to be selected as an intern for an Indigenous Summer Research Program directed by The Research for Indigenous Social Action and Equity Center at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. My hopes and dreams are for the better treatment of LGBT+/2S Natives both inside and outside of Native society. Not only am I grateful to these organizations allowing me to participate in their programs, I am grateful to the incredible staff at Bay Mills Community College for helping me every step of the way.
 
Good job and good luck, Tristan!
 
 
Do you know a BMCC student that is making waves? Nominate them to [email protected] for a Student Spotlight! Spotlighted students will receive recognition and BMCC swag.