A Seventh-day Adventist Boarding Academy Serving Native American Youth Since 1946
H
A Home Away From Home
ome. What comes to mind for you when you think of home? This word brings up varying images of people, places, pets, and buildings associated with warm memories, family, comfort, community, safety, and security. You may think of the home you grew up in or a grandparent who loved you unconditionally. Perhaps a dear pet who brought you comfort during a difficult time comes to mind. Sometimes we take for granted our families and family homes, holiday gatherings, time around the dinner table, or family reunions. We may also take for granted our neighborhoods and communities. Whatever the case may be, the word “home” is typically
34 Pacific Union Recorder
Holbrook Indian School
associated with fond memories and a safe place to find refuge. It may not seem ideal to live in a dorm setting, but for many of our students here at Holbrook Indian School (HIS), who often come from extremely isolated living environments, our dorms provide a close-knit community and a safe, warm space for American Indian children to experience a home away from home and an opportunity to learn social skills that will help them be better prepared for life outside of HIS. Our deans work hard to cultivate a healthy “home” culture in each of the dorms so that our students get a feel for personal responsibility along with a sense of belonging and community: family. Evening offers the best time for students to experience this “home away from home” environment, when they return to the dorms after being in class all day. During the evenings in the girls’ dorm, our young ladies engage in study hall, free time, chore time, and dorm worship. They