University of Minnesota Twin Cities student Karen Guise recently had the opportunity to study for a semester at the University of Hawai'i at Hilo through National Student Exchange.
Students who attend a school within the National Student Exchange program can study for a semester, summer, or year at schools all over the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska), as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Canada.
Guise, a political science major in the College of Liberal Arts, says the experience was transformative, allowing her to become immersed in Hawaiian culture, deepen her understanding of Indigenous governance, and grow both personally and academically.
"Being surrounded by land, ocean, and community created a unique learning environment that I'm incredibly grateful for," says Guise. "I left Hawai'i with more than just credits—I left with stories, relationships, and lessons that will guide me for years to come."
Hailing from the Red Lake Nation in northern Minnesota, Guise has direct experience—and a personal stake—in advocating for Indigenous communities. In high school, she was a member of the Minnesota Youth Council, where she served as the sole representative for Minnesota Native youth, ensuring their perspectives were brought to the State Capitol.
Guise also interned at the Minnesota House of Representatives in the spring of 2024, where she gained invaluable insights into the legislative process.
The internship solidified her resolve to ensure that Indigenous voices are at the table during the policymaking process, she says, and ultimately led her to pursue the semester-long exchange at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.
In this Q&A, Guise talks about her National Student Exchange experience.
Why did you choose this program?
I chose [National Student Exchange] because I wanted to study in a place where Indigenous knowledge and land-based practices are a part of everyday life. As an Indigenous student, it was important to me to learn from another Native community and see how they navigate political systems, cultural identity, and sovereignty.
How was this program unique to other off-campus study options?
[National Student Exchange] allowed me to stay within the U.S. while still being immersed in a distinct culture. I wasn't a tourist—I was a student and guest in a Native community. I was welcomed into spaces not often accessible to outsiders, and that made the experience incredibly meaningful.
What was your academic experience like in the program?
I took a political science course focused on restorative justice. The class made a strong impact on me; the ideas we explored continue to come up in my work and conversations today. It pushed me to rethink justice through a community-centered, healing-based lens.
How else did you deepen your political science knowledge?
Outside the classroom, I worked locally propagating tropical plants and harvesting fruit, which connected me to land-based knowledge systems. I also volunteered and was invited into cultural and political spaces where I saw firsthand how Native Hawaiian communities organize, resist, and lead.
What were your biggest takeaways?
My biggest takeaways were the power of community and the importance of humility. I learned that Indigenous resistance looks different in every place, but it's rooted in the same values: land, language, and people. I also left with a better understanding of how culture and governance are deeply intertwined.
A promising future
Guise’s experiences during her time at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities have prepared her for an ambitious future. She hopes to study federal Indian law and public policy after graduation, with the long-term goal of becoming a U.S. senator.
Support students like Karen Guise by making a gift to the Driven to Discover Supporting Students Fund.
This story is adapted from a story by the College of Liberal Arts and another by the University of Minnesota Foundation.
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