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Michael Leading Horse grew up in O'Neill, Nebraska. When he was looking for a college, he considered about six schools. "UNO was always at the top of the list," he says. "It was in the biggest city in Nebraska, and I thought I would enjoy that." The city setting has been a highlight for the sophomore — even beyond what he imagined college life would be.

"I really like the UNO campus and the people. The professors here are the top in their subjects, but they're very friendly and very down to earth. And the campus is beautiful. Everything definitely has surpassed my expectations."

A Native American whose background is Rosebud Lakota Sioux, Michael also has had an opportunity to find out more about his ancestors and their rituals. He's become active in the UNO Inter-Tribal Student Council, an organization made up of both Native and non-Native students. Members help to raise awareness of Native Americans and hold fundraisers to benefit area reservations.

Not only has he learned more about his own tribe and others, Michael has flexed his skills as a drummer at the council's annual campus pow wow. "We're learning a lot of different songs all in the traditional native language," he says. "Most of it's in Lakota. Performing at the pow wow was really cool."

The psychology major also says he's found the level of education he was looking for at UNO, plus lots more. "I've had a chance to study with two of the best teachers I've ever had. I feel very lucky. I've had a lot of experiences I wouldn't have had anywhere else."