DeLyssa Begay
I am DibeLizhini (Black Sheep), born for Honaghaahnii (One Who Walks Around), and my cheii (maternal grandfather) is Todichiinii (Bitter Water), and my naali (paternal grandfather) is Tachiinii (Red Streak Running into Water). My home is in Tse Chizhi - Rough Rock, Arizona. I am Navajo and grew up in a big family with large extended families. I graduated from Fort Lewis College and began teaching English Language Arts in 1998. In 2001, I received my graduate degree from Northern Arizona University.
In January 2014, I remember I pulled into my driveway in Many Farms, Arizona, and announced, “I’m going to retire from here - Many Farms High School.” I was a long way from retirement, but that was my plan. I had job security, family and friends nearby, and established routines. There were few times in my life in which I announced such a “plan.” Maybe God chuckled when He heard me, because He moved me out of that place quickly. I started at Rehoboth Christian School in 2014. Since then, I have expanded my teaching to different content areas: New Mexico history, drama, and media. I am grateful for the new friendships and relationships I have cultivated at Rehoboth. I actually ran a RAGNAR Run with a team of strong women from Rehoboth, and it was incredible. My hope is for students and community to seek a strong relationship with God, and to question, to learn, and to pray for compassion and kindness.