Lakota Tolloak likes a challenge and cool weather. He will have both when he begins pursuing his vision of becoming a trauma surgeon by attending Harvard University in Massachusetts this fall. Tolloak began preparing for college — and the means to pay for it — many years ago. Through hard work and self-determination, Tolloak has also been awarded the coveted Gates Scholarship, allowing him to attend the prestigious Ivy League school with little out-of-pocket expense.
“Everything has fallen in line for me to go to Harvard,” Tolloaksaid.“Throughoutmy high school career, I took every AP(AdvancedPlacement) and honors class available to me.”
As a graduate of Ada High School, both Harvard and the Gates Foundation selected Tolloak due to his academic achievements. In addition to these accomplishments, Tolloak’s involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership positions within the community played a role in their selection process.
“I was a shy child,” Tolloak said. “Student council and other organizations pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was forced to try new things and put myself out there. Harvard not only wants to see students that challenge themselves academically, but be (socially) well rounded as well.”
Harvard is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is the oldest college in the United States and is considered one of the top colleges in the world. It counts among its alumni American presidents, movies stars, business magnates, Pulitzer prizewinners, noted philosophers, astronauts, Nobel laureates and medical professionals.
“Harvard doesn’t have majors and minors,” Tolloak said. “They have concentrations. I will be concentrating on integrative biology, which is a general biology degree. I hope that once I receive my bachelor’s, I will be accepted into medical school at Harvard. I would like to get into emergency medicine.”
Funded through grants provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Scholarship is limited to a select few elite scholars. Tolloak was one of only 300 students selected to receive the prestigious scholarship this year.
The Gates Scholarship website states that scholars receive full funding for the cost of attendance that is not already covered by other financial aid. Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation and may include other personal costs.
Those selected for the scholarship are from minority, low-income households. They are selected from a pool of tens of thousands of applicants. The selection process and competition for the Gates Scholarship is extreme and arduous, and life changing for those who receive it.
“Receiving the Gates Scholarship has taught me the true meaning of surrealism,” Tolloak said.
“This scholarship has essentially guaranteed my spot in school. You don’t really understand what life is like until a moment like this.”
According to Tolloak, tuition for a full-time student at Harvard is approximately $80,000 annually, with other expenses incurring. The Gates Scholarship will cover much of these costs.
“Instead of having to work during college, I can spend my time learning,” Tolloak said. “I can focus on myself and my education.”
Tolloak has also been presented with the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence 2022 Academic All-State Award. High school seniors presented with this award represent 75 schools in 67 Oklahoma school districts. Recipients of this award are selected based on academic achievement, community involvement and extracurricular activities. He was also awarded the distinction of being an AP scholar.
During his freshmen year of high school, Tolloak began preparing for his college career. He knew he wanted to become “something special.” Tolloak was elected as the president of the Ada High School student council, science club and math club. He served as an officer for Ada High School’s art club and was selected as the Honors Anatomy and Physiology student of the year. He is also a National Honor Society member.
Active in the community, Tolloak is a member of the State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council and the Vision Bank board. He was student of the month for Ada Lions Club and received first place in the Fall Media Monday Student Life Story competition sponsored by Oklahoma Scholastic Media. Tolloak was a medical intern at the Mercy emergency department.
He believes preparation has been to key to his success and believes others should start challenging themselves as early as possible to prepare for their future.
“It’s never too early to start preparing,” he said. “Take those harder classes. It may be tough now, but it will pay off in the end. Throw yourself into situations where you are not comfortable. It is scary and uncomfortable, but you will grow to love it.”
Tolloak grew up in a nontraditional home. Two mothers, Tommie Postoak and Charity Tolliver, raised him. He receives his Chickasaw blood from his biological mother, Postoak, and his father. Postoak and Emma McLeod, his grandmother, taught him his Chickasaw heritage.
“My heritage gives me a sense of community,” Tolloak said. “It has also taught me how to be a great leader who puts those I am leading above myself. Lastly, my culture has taught me to overcome. We are the unconquered and unconquerable. I took this and integrated it into my everyday life. I may be knocked down,butIwillpersevereand get right back up.”