A New BUSI Experience

A posting by Falencia Brown, BUSI Intern

“I simply have no idea of what this new program is about,” I said to myself when I was told that I’ve been assigned to a cultural arts course with the college. My search for a place to intern came to a sudden halt as I met with Christine Ami, the grants manager for the Navajo Cultural Arts Program that began this spring semester. Coming aboard as the newest intern she made me feel welcomed and caught me up to speed on the tasks that were crucial at hand.
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Other BUSI interns, Sharon Begay and Malcolm Bob had already begun their internship weeks prior to my addition, so the foundation of the program was on its way. I took on the assignment of creating and implementing a new inventory system as Christine continued to shop for the necessities for the NCAC classes and stocking of the supply and resource room. 

During the business plan/budget workshops, I met with three of the NCAC students, also known as the Emerging Artisan and an in instant I felt comfortable to be around assisting them. The artisans work hard, putting much time and effort in developing a detailed business plan for their start up business. Sharing a common goal of promoting their line of work and establishing an organization for themselves is what the BUSI interns assist with.

​It’s exciting to know that there are so many plans for this cohort and for the Emerging
Artisans. To be a part of this larger project that supports these talented Navajo individuals makes it more worthwhile. Being around the right group of people gives you a sense of motivation -  a nagging feeling of wanting to do more - like everything is possible. That is the impression that I get from our early weekly meetings with Christine, our interactions with the artisan, and our individual research.

​I am grateful for this new learning opportunity and also for the college in creating such a cohort that invests in the student’s work in exposing and building their business as they make way in achieving a certificate with the Navajo Cultural Arts Program.