Husband. Father. Student. Employee. Active community member. These are just some of the hats that Doyon Foundation student Ramy Brooks is currently wearing.

“As a non-traditional student, I have had to juggle the demands of being a husband and father who has to provide for his family and also the demands of being a full-time student. The scholarships that I have received from the Doyon Foundation, along with other scholarships like the CH2MHill scholarship that I heard of through the Foundation newsletter, have made it possible for me to pursue my education,” Brooks said.

Brooks is currently attending the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where is he studying geological engineering. He expects to graduate in 2013. In the future, Brooks would like to move out of the field of heavy equipment operation, where he currently works, and into a new career in geological engineering.

There are two major challenges Brooks is facing in pursuit of his goals – money and time.

“To overcome both of these challenges, I think that it is necessary to stay focused on your studies and to get good grades so that there are scholarship opportunities available. It also takes sacrifices from your entire family to understand that you might have to do with less for awhile so that in the end you can benefit from getting a higher education,” he said.

His advice for other students?

“When you need help, whether it is financial or academic, there is no stupid question. There are resources for help, and if you don’t find the help that you need from the first place, look elsewhere,” Brooks said, suggesting that students utilize groups like the Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, student chapters of professional organizations, and the Doyon Foundation newsletter

Brooks is the son of Roxy Wright and Mike Brooks, and the grandson of Gareth and Miranda Wright, and Vera Strack. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, dog mushing, hunting, reading, being outdoors and working with the Alaska Mental Health Trust to raise awareness of mental health issues.

“I’m graduating debt-free. The Doyon Foundation has helped me extensively. Thank you to Doyon and all who supported me,” she said. “I can’t imagine getting through college, especially one of this caliber, without the support of my family and everyone back home.”