Maya Franks was born and raised in Pine Ridge, SD and Mahpiya Luta has always been a part of her life. Growing up with older brothers who attended the school, she felt connected to the community long before she started her journey there.
Throughout high school, Maya didn’t face any significant academic or personal challenges, but her college years tested her resilience. In the middle of her sophomore year, she unexpectedly lost her father. The grief was overwhelming, and she faced a difficult decision—take time off or return to college. With the support of her professors, her family, and the Mahpiya Luta community, Maya decided to return and finish the semester. The foundation of love, Lakota culture, and perseverance she built at Mahpiya Luta helped her navigate this challenging time.
Maya credits much of her personal and academic growth to the relationships she built at Mahpiya Luta. Teachers and coaches like Jack DiPasquale, Jon Derby, and Matt Rama were instrumental in her development, teaching her the values of hard work, dedication, and leadership both in the classroom and on the court — which remain a vital part of her success today.
After high school, Maya moved to Mankato, MN, to attend Bethany Lutheran College. While the transition away from home was challenging, her role on the basketball team helped her feel connected and supported. The time management skills Maya developed while balancing academics, sports, and extracurricular activities at Mahpiya Luta made her transition to college much smoother. Juggling basketball practices with homework helped her stay organized, a skill that proved essential during her nursing studies in college.
Mahpiya Luta High School played a pivotal role in Maya’s success. It provided her with leadership opportunities and academic guidance that continued into college. During her nursing program at Bethany Lutheran College, she was selected as the Junior Marshall for the Nursing and Allied Health Department and served as the class representative in her senior year. These skills helped Maya graduate Cum Laude from Bethany Lutheran College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then passed her NCLEX-RN exam a month after graduation, a testament to her diligence and resilience that Mahpiya Luta helped provide.
With her nursing degree, Maya began her career at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, SD. After completing her New Grad Residency program, she earned a certificate for her accomplishments, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.
Maya’s passion for nursing matches her love for the close-knit community she found in college. The friendships she made at Bethany Lutheran College continue to thrive, and the sense of belonging she gained through her education has shaped her career.
After 15 months of nursing experience, Maya is ready for her next challenge: becoming a nurse preceptor. She’s currently taking a course to teach new nurses the valuable skills of bedside nursing, continuing to pass on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of caregivers.
Alumni Wisdom:
Maya’s advice to high school seniors is simple yet powerful: “Be confident in yourself and your abilities. You have everything you need within you to reach your goals.”