Elissa Hamil is the daughter of Jamie and Kevin Hamil, who both work for the Choctaw Nation.
Young Choctaw in Print
By Kendra Germany
Choctaw Nation
Durant, Okla. - A Choctaw woman is making a name for herself in the world of publishing.
Elissa Hamil, 19, of Durant recently had a short story published in the book, “The High School Truth.”
“The High School Truth” is a collaboration of 34 contributing authors representing all regions of the United States, and various ethnic, religious, and racial groups.
The book coins itself as being the “ultimate guidebook to American high school life.” Each story answers the question, “What do you wish you had known on your first day of freshman year?”
According to Hamil, co-authors and book organizers Martin Rather and Lila Rimalovski, specifically wanted someone of Choctaw decent to contribute to the project.
“They called me and asked me questions about myself, and about Oklahoma,” said Hamil. “They thought we all lived on reservations.”
Elissa’s story explains to students that it is okay to be afraid of high school.
“I thought about my first day of high school, when we had this fire drill,” said Hamil. “I had no clue what was going on, but then I realized that it was okay because no one else knew what was going on either.”
“The High School Truth” is available for purchase on Amazon.com, in both hard copy and e-book form.
She graduated high school with honors, and is currently seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in biology at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Elissa works in the Office of Academic Affairs at SE. Her goal is to become an optometrist.
Hamil says she is thankful for the opportunity to have her work published. “When I graduate I hope to give back to the Choctaw people.”
Elissa was also recently given the chance to sing the National Anthem for the President of the United States on his July 15th visit to Durant.
Hamil credits her Choctaw heritage for allowing her to be a part of many of her recent opportunities. “I am proud to be Choctaw. God has blessed me with many wonderful opportunities as well as great friends and family who have supported me in everything that I do.”