By Wade Sheldon, Tulalip News
For many Native students, leaving home to pursue higher education is more than just the next academic step; it is a journey that carries the hopes of family, culture, and community. It means stepping beyond familiar lands and traditions to gain knowledge, skills, and experiences that can one day be brought back to uplift future generations.
Each student who takes that path helps strengthen representation, preserve identity in new spaces, and open doors for those who will follow. That significance is reflected in the achievement of Emmarrie Davis, a Tulalip tribal member who has been accepted to the University of California, Berkeley.
According to the University of California’s official admissions data, Berkeley has an acceptance rate of about 11.4%, making it one of the most selective public universities in the nation. For every 100 students who apply, only around 11 are admitted, highlighting just how competitive the process is. Berkeley is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, including a global ranking of around No. 17 in the 2026 QS World University Rankings. The university is widely known for its rigorous academics, groundbreaking research, and leadership in fields such as computer science, economics, and the sciences.
Davis said she also received offers of admission from the University of Washington, UC Davis, and Washington State University, but ultimately chose UC Berkeley for its reputation and academic strength. “It’s considered one of the top public universities in the world,” she said. “It’s ranked high for both of the majors I am thinking about going for—psychology or environmental science.”
She credits the Running Start program as a major factor in her academic success. “It gave me a chance to get dual credit for high school and college and graduate with both my diploma and associate degree,” she said. “It also helped boost my confidence by being in a place where people actually wanted to be. I was able to challenge myself, and it gave me a head start with higher-level work.”
Like many students transitioning into college-level coursework, Davis faced challenges along the way. She said adjusting to the quarter system and managing her own schedule took time. “A quarter is only about three months, so I had to learn things much faster,” she said. “I was also bad at scheduling at first and had to learn how to manage my time.”
She also noted that stepping away from a traditional high school environment was not easy. “Even though I was surrounded by people who wanted to be in college, it was hard not being around people my own age,” she said.
As she prepares to graduate, Davis has a clear path, with plans to attend law school and pursue work in civil rights, environmental advocacy, and community service. She is considering a psychology degree, possibly in clinical or forensic psychology, while also exploring her interest in conservation and sustainability. “I ultimately want to go to law school and be involved in civil rights or environmental work, or eventually work for the Tribe,” she said.
Leaving Tulalip for California brings both excitement and uncertainty. “I’m excited to see what life is like at Berkeley,” she said. “I’m curious what people are going to be like down there. I didn’t really like California the first time I went, but I’ve changed a lot since then.” She added, “I’m excited to experience how different everything is, make new friends, and expand my cultural knowledge.”
Her upbringing in Tulalip continues to guide her purpose. “We’ve always been community-based,” she said. “We treat the land how it’s supposed to be treated.” That foundation shapes her long-term goal of returning home. “I want to learn as much as I can and bring that knowledge back to help preserve and strengthen our sovereignty. Whatever our community needs, I want to come back and help.”
For Davis, being accepted into UC Berkeley also represents personal growth. “It means a lot to me to prove to myself how much I’ve grown,” she said. “There was a time I didn’t think I’d ever have an opportunity like this.” She added that her parents played a major role in her journey.
When Davis received her acceptance, her mother, Erika Moore, said the moment was overwhelming. “I was screaming my head off,” Moore said. “I’m so proud of my daughter. She’s been through so much and overcome so much. It showed me that everything she went through helped her become who she is now. She’s capable of anything; sometimes it’s just about believing that.”
That belief is something Moore said she worked to instill early on. “I’ve always tried to show her that hard work is worth it and to never give up,” she said. “You’re never going to know if you’re good at something unless you try. She continues to surprise me. She’s thoughtful, she pays attention to people, and she carries herself with respect. She’s one of the most caring people I know.”
Moore also acknowledged the role Tulalip programs played in their journey, crediting the community for helping lay the foundation for her daughter’s success. “If it wasn’t for the Village of Hope and the support we’ve had, I don’t know if we would be where we are today.”
As Davis prepares to leave for college, Moore admits the transition will be emotional. “I’m not ready for her to go,” she said. “But I’m excited to see her reach her full potential.”
Davis’s father, Noah Davis, shared that same pride while reflecting on the work it took to reach this moment.
“I am very excited for Emma,” he said. “She has put in the work hours of notes, research, and writing to get here. It means a lot to see that hard work pays off with being admitted to Berkeley. I’m very proud to be her dad.”
While he acknowledged that her leaving brings some uncertainty, he emphasized the family’s support. “It’s scary, to say the least,” he said. “But we will be there for her, however and whenever she needs it. I hope she finds balance in her life and that her work is something she enjoys.”
Both mother and daughter shared a message for Native youth who may be unsure about pursuing higher education.
“You just need one person to remind you that you’re capable,” Moore said. “You have to try and keep trying. Even if you fail, that’s how you learn.”
Davis echoed that message, encouraging students to seek out support systems along the way. She emphasized the importance of finding the Native Liaison on campus and taking advantage of available resources.
“Find your community,” she said. “Those are the people who will support you and remind you that you’re not alone.”