Growing up in isolated corners of the Navajo Nation, Talia Yazzie made the most of her daily three-hour roundtrip school bus ride sleeping, studying, tutoring other riders, cultivating lifelong friendships, and even dreaming of becoming a school bus driver herself.

“I wanted to become a bus driver to help students from the reservation get home safely,” Yazzie recalled of her long school commutes.

Later, in the aftermath of a devastating accident that injured her younger sister, Yazzie became a keen observer of her sister’s healthcare journey – even investigating her sister’s brain scans. It was then, already predisposed to helping people, that Yazzie became interested in radiologic technology. During a visit to Yavapai College with her mom, an aspiring public health professional, Yazzie investigated the college’s radiology program, met its director, Tracy Rogers, and enrolled in pre-requisite classes. “It was like a whole new world opened up to me. The radiology program really caught my interest,” she said.

Fast forward to 2026 and 19-year-old Yazzie is wrapping up her pre-radiology studies, living in the Prescott Campus residence halls for a second straight year, serving as Student Government Association president, working at the Del E. Webb Child Development Center, and volunteering at a local imaging clinic.

“Academically, school has been a real balancing act. And honestly, the stress of preparing for a competitive program is something I've never experienced before,” Yazzie said. Nevertheless, her desire to return to the Navajo Reservation with a radiology degree and valuable skills is greater than her fear of failure.

“I see college as a true privilege. Growing up I watched my parents sacrifice so much for us, and being here makes me realize how fortunate I am. They've struggled financially, and this opportunity to pursue my Radiologic Technology degree feels like a way I can finally give back to them, to provide them with the things they deserve. That's a huge motivator for me.

Beyond my family, I'm also driven by a desire to help my community -- my Navajo people. I've seen so much struggle, and the ability to diagnose diseases, monitor treatments, and offer minimally invasive care through radiologic technology feels like a powerful way to make a difference. Knowing I can contribute to their well-being, as well as support my family, keeps me going, even when things get difficult.” 

Yazzie’s grit and encouragement from her extended Navajo family help her curb bouts of homesickness.

“Being away from my family, especially my siblings, is tough. My younger siblings are like my own personal cheerleaders, always there to lift my spirits and push me forward, even when I doubt myself. I miss them a lot.”

Also missed dearly, Yazzie’s best friend, Chyrae, whom she met in elementary school on the school bus. The two girls lived miles apart and were only able to spend time together on the bus. “She’s been a constant in my life ever since,” Yazzie said of Chyrae.

And while long-distance friend and family relationships made Yazzie’s first year in college a little lonely and uncomfortable, year two is anything but.

“I felt like it was harder last year, because I didn’t find my people. I was more of an introvert. I wasn’t familiar with the town and there were not many Native American people that I knew here so there was no one to talk to. This year I’ve met a lot more people and gained new friendships…”

Yazzie’s college engagement is starting to rival her high school experience, which included running track and cross country, student government, cheerleading and the Native American Club.

Besides being elected president of the Yavapai College Student Government Association, Yazzie has served as a student marketer, joined college clubs and is a regularly student Bible study attendee.

“The college flung open its doors for me. I never expected to find myself on the student government team, diving headfirst into leadership roles and discovering capabilities I didn't know I possessed,” she said.

As the oldest sibling, Yazzie is keen to inspire her younger sister – now healthy and thriving post-accident – and a younger brother. “I want to be a role model for my sister and brother. I want to show them that they are capable and that the future is full of possibilities.”

Yazzie’s approach to the YCSGA presidency, meanwhile, is influenced by her obvious compassion for others, whether children riding a school bus, family, or college classmates. “I want to be the voice for other students, but I also want to help students in need as well,” she said.

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, four baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.