Keanu “Millqwak” Henry (Stebbins Community Association) 2024 Saint John’s graduate

Keanu is a Biology/Pre-Dentistry major with a minor in Japanese at Saint John’s University. Growing up in Fairbanks, Alaska he learned survival skills and the unique needs of his community, fueling his passion for advocating healthy dental practices in rural Alaska. Keanu is active in community service, including Japanese TA’ing, English tutoring, and mentoring first-generation students. His varied experiences and passion for learning drive him to excel and contribute meaningfully to the world.

“This experience will offer me the chance to network with like-minded individuals, gain mentorship from seasoned professionals, and access resources that may otherwise be challenging to secure. I aim to harness the knowledge and skills acquired from this program to further my ability to make a tangible, positive difference in my community, particularly in improving oral health care access and education.”

Integrating Mental Well-Being and Cultural Identity for Academic Success

Keanu's project aims to create an integrated course that enhances mental well-being and cultural identity to boost academic achievement among Native students. By combining effective study techniques, mindfulness practices, and time management strategies, he will provide valuable support tailored to the cultural needs of his audience. Collaborating with tribal elders and cultural advisors, Keanu will develop workshops and seminars that blend traditional wisdom with modern educational methods. Utilizing multimedia tools and social media, he will establish an accessible platform for mentorship and guidance. The project will not only expand Keanu's knowledge of these techniques but also track the academic improvement of participating students in classroom and standardized testing environments.