The University of Alaska Fairbanks describes the Meritorious Service Award as a “high and rare honor.”
“When I was told, tears came out. I was shocked,” Green said. “In my lifetime, I thought I wouldn't be in that situation.”
Green’s journey in the educational world wasn’t an easy one from the beginning.
“When I entered BIA for the very first time, I did not know any English. Somebody interpreted to me that I cannot speak my language in the classroom. So it was really, really hard not being able to speak my teacher’s language,” Green said.
She dropped out of school in 6th grade and started working odd jobs to help her mother pay the bills.