Published on 2026-09-07 by Kendall Lotto
As a property of University of Minnesota, Glensheen has been providing educational and work experiences for students, enhancing their education through hands-on learning, and customer service skills. Mataya, UMD December 2026 grad, reflects on her time at Glensheen and where she'll be after college.
How has working at Glensheen enhanced your educational experience at UMD?
Working at Glensheen has helped me a lot with my education on applicable skills needed for education like performing, speaking, and presenting to people. Being here, I was able to contribute to building programs and build curriculum through my internship here as well, which has helped me further my career in making educational experiences in classrooms while working on projects and building community and teamwork.
What is your major at UMD and what will you be doing now that you’re graduating in December?
I am a dual major in Anthropology and Native American studies. Now that I will be graduating in December, I have a job as the Indigenous Programs Coordinator at UW-Superior. I will be able to help put on events and provide spaces for people to learn about Indigenous culture, as well as provide spaces for students at UW-Superior to practice their culture and have a place and sense of Indigenous community there.
What will you miss most about Glensheen?
I’m going to miss my coworkers the most and the sense of family that’s created here. There’s never been a mad moment here between anybody. It’s a home away from home and a place for growth with other people.
What advice would you give a future UMD student as they enter their college career?
It’s going to sound really tacky, but just say yes if you’re nervous about doing something, that’s legal. If you’re unsure about doing something academic, just go and try it because that’s when you’re really going to discover yourself, just go out and do things you wouldn’t typically do before.