McKell OldBull knew she wanted to pursue a career in the justice system while attending high school. Originally from Peach City, Arizona, OldBull grew up on the Hualapai Indian reservation and recalls that there were limited resources when she was growing up.
“As indigenous people, we are raised to be very humble and stoic. That leads to a somewhat stubborn lifestyle that shows city life and life outside the reservation to be foreign. There is a barrier between the legal world and reservation world,” she explains. “When I witnessed family members and community members going through a legal system they knew nothing about, I decided to be that middle man between reservations and the legal world. I hope to help my community members this way.”
After graduating from Salt Lake Community College with a degree in criminal justice, OldBull enrolled in the Master of Legal Studies (MLS) program this fall. Though she says the first month or so has been difficult while juggling a full-time job, OldBull is enjoying her classes.
“The MLS program will allow me to continue my path educationally and obtain jobs that will further my career goal,” she says. “I love the variety of classmates we have, all from different backgrounds and education. We all have our own story and experience to share with each other.”
Though the program lasts just one year, OldBull wants other prospective students to know that her MLS experience is about more than sitting in the classroom.
“The MLS program isn’t just a degree or classes you get over with, it’s a chance to gain lifetime friendships with your classmates and possible career opportunities. It’s more than just a degree,” she says.
Once OldBull earns her MLS degree, she plans to give back to the Native community.
“I am hoping to work for my Goshute tribe and help with any policies or legal issues the tribe may have. My ultimate goal is to help more than just my tribe,” OldBull says. “I hope to travel and offer my services to other neighboring tribes.”