2026 Inspiring Graduate | Emily Notsinneh

Emily Notsinneh is what she calls a parenting student. She received her associate's degree right out of high school from Central New Mexico College. Nine years later, she's returning to school with the support of the family she built in that time.

"UNM was the right choice because of all the support they offer students, especially parenting students," Notsinneh said.

As a first-generation, non-traditional student, Notsinneh felt out of place amongst students who were in a different stage of life that she was. "No one ever made me feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. It was something I had to get through for myself, for the sake of furthering my education," Notsinneh said.

While attending classes herself, Notsinneh also homeschools both of her children. She admits doing both comes with challenges but was able to do so through UNM's numerous online classes.

Most mornings are spent getting her kids ready for the day and beginning their studies. Once it's nap time for the kids, Notsinneh has a couple hours to get her own homework done. She also volunteers with the homeschool group her children participate in which allows them to go on field trips.

"I'm definitely learning alongside them. Their curiosity and imagination are inspiring to witness," Notsinneh said.

Though originally from Mescalero, New Mexico, Notsinneh primarily grew up in Albuquerque. Her mother decided to raise her and her siblings off the reservation, something no one in her family had done before. Notsinneh sites her mother as an inspiration and major supporter of her return to school.

Aside from the convenience, attending UNM was appealing to her because of the American Indian Student Services (AISS) group and even considered majoring in Native American Studies.

"Growing up off the reservation, oftentimes I was the only Native American student in my classes," Notsinneh said. "But coming here to UNM I'm surrounded by other students who are from different tribes. It's comforting for me."

She also belongs to the Albuquerque chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, an honor society that provides students with opportunities to hone their professional and personal skills.

"I think getting involved made me feel more secure in being a student here at UNM, and it made me feel comfortable to ask questions and get direction if I felt confused," Notsinneh said. "I felt like I wasn't so lost and I didn't feel unwelcome, because you have a group of people there to help you."

Looking forward, Notsinneh is pursuing a master's in creative writing at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe. With it, she hopes to someday write a book and join the ranks of other Native authors and work to amplify Native voices.

She was inspired by the teaching she did with her children and is considering going into teaching at a higher education level. "I think having a Native teacher for Native students would be refreshing for them and make them feel more secure in their identities," Notsinneh said.

Back when she was attending CNM as a teen, she remembers many of her classmates being non-traditional students and not quite being able to fathom the type of "adult" problems they dealt with at the time. Now as her role reversed, she found a greater appreciation for those who took charge of the education.

"While it can be scary, if it's something that you really want, I'd encourage you to do it," Notsinneh said. "You're never too old to go back to school. You're never too old to further your education and further your career."