By Jayce Wippert | April 1, 2025 Hello my name is Jayce Haylee Wippert I am an enrolled member of the great Blackfeet Nation. My college site is currently at Blackfeet Community College in Browning, MT. I first got the job with AmeriCorps back in September of 2024. It was very different from any other job I’ve ever had. I learned very quickly you have to be outgoing and outspoken. I’m expected to be helpful and out spoken to students which was very hard for me to do at first because I’m very shy when I’m around people who I’ve never met. When I first started here at BCC I was told quite often that I seem intimidating, which I’m not. I’m just a very quiet person who doesn’t talk much unless I have to.
I never really thought about joining AmeriCorps or what it was until one of the previous AmeriCorps members told me about it and how I can help students who are struggling with school and how I can be helpful by becoming a AmeriCorps college coach. I am an understanding person when students come to me and tell me they are having a hard time. I can relate to so many students who go through their own hardships when it comes to school. When I was first going to college it was very challenging for me. I currently battle some health problems. I have had epilepsy for about seven years. I was diagnosed with it back in 2018 when I was a junior in high school. Some days can be tough to get through because it has affected so much of my life. I still have so many limitations and so many things that I can’t really do without someone being there. I sadly don’t have a normal life like many other people do.
I never really did talk about any of my struggles with anyone because it is something that is personal to me. My AmeriCorps leaders are very understanding when it comes down to me needing some time to deal with my health. I’ve had many trials happen since I have been working with AmeriCorps but I have always made it one of my priorities to be there for the students here at BCC. The staff and students have welcomed me with open arms and that is so heart warming because I have had a hard time with coming out of my shell and not really putting myself out there. Since I’ve been working here at BCC it really has helped me in so many ways with helping people out because that’s all I have ever really wanted to do. Here on the Reservation there are a lot of families who need assistance. Most of us are not wealthy and need help with feeding their families or needing help with transportation. Here at BCC we are always willing to help. We want to see students succeed and get their degree, so one day they can come back to the Blackfeet Reservation to help make it a better place for everyone.
I have learned so much being a part of AmeriCorps Montana and meeting new people who I probably would’ve never come across if I wasn’t part of AmeriCorps. They are kind and welcoming. As someone who is shy and not really wanting to step out of her comfort zone. I have learned a lot about myself like how easy it is to be more outspoken, as well as getting over my fear and anxiety of putting myself out there. I am not letting my Epilepsy get in the way of helping students either. I never thought I would take a chance to learn about a program and how helpful it can be. To say the least it has been a fun experience to be a part of it.
Thank you AmeriCorps for helping me step out of my comfort zone and helping me step up to be there for the students who have their own stress and just need someone to be there and help guide them. College can be stressful and I understand that feeling because I have dealt with my own challenges while going to college. I have always wanted to help out in any way I can, being a college coach here at Blackfeet Community College has given me that opportunity to help out. I’ll be forever thankful that AmeriCorps gave me the chance to be a helping hand here at Blackfeet Community College.
I encourage anyone to be a part of this program. You learn a lot about yourself and you meet new people that could forever be a lifelong friend. Again thank you AmeriCorps and BCC.