Mariah Jeremiah

The Buder Center has provided me with extensive support throughout my MSW program as well as after I graduated. I came from an undergraduate community that was about the same size as the Brown School itself. Before even beginning my MSW program, Pete Coser of the Buder Center began reaching out to me and welcoming me to the Buder community. Upon beginning my MSW, I felt intimidated, lost, confused and overwhelmed at such a large institution. I felt extensively supported by Pete and Dr. Tovar throughout my MSW degree. The Center provided not only a place of refuge,
trust and relaxation, but also a place of resources and guidance. Dr. Molly Tovar spent countless hours with me and other Scholars, providing individualized guidance on resume writing and interviewing skills, as well as offering comfort from the insanity that is graduate school. I felt that I always had a community by my side; I never felt alone during my Master’s program. Towards the end of my program, as nerves and stress began to rise, Dr. Tovar connected me with jobs in Indian Country and assured me that I had the skills I needed to thrive with my degree.

Currently I use my education and skills working at Family Resource Center. It has been a
tremendous resource not only for me but for the St. Louis community. During Native American History month, my agency had the great pleasure of meeting Pete Coser for a large group conversation about Native history, community and current issues in Indian Country. Overall, words cannot express how grateful I am to the Buder Center for guiding me, encouraging me and being a constant resource, not only for me, but also for the community at large.