The bell rings and people pour out of classrooms, each person unique in their own way. Amongst the crowd, one face stands out because of what’s hidden behind. The unique blood that beats through it.

Of all of the people walking down the halls, senior Cody McDowell is one of few at Bowie and in AISD who is Native American and proudly embraces his unique culture of his ancestors flowing in his veins.

“I am proud of it, it makes me unique and a character, who I am, and it also sparks up a conversation,” McDowell said.

McDowell is from the reservation in Pembroke, North Carolina, where most of his family is from.

“My parents are different tribes, but the majority of my Native American comes from the tribe Lumbee on my dad’s side,” McDowell said. “It’s not recognized nationally by the United States government, but it is a tribe nonetheless.”

Senior Emily McCullough thinks that although being Native American does not change who he is, it does bring more diversity.

“I think it’s interesting because he has a different background and can offer unique experiences to the classroom,” McCullough said.

Due to McDowell moving from his reservation at a young age, he can’t remember much of the culture and lifestyle that was present there. One thing that will stay in his heart forever is the memory of his grandfather..

“Probably the thing I remember most is the thick accent of my grandfather in North Carolina. His accent is very intense and I am surprised I don’t have it myself anymore. I know I used to have it really bad, but his accent is crazy,” McDowell said.

To some, he may not look like the stereotypical Native American and some have a hard time believing he is, however he is registered.

“Everybody assumes that I am not Native American because I  don’t have dark skin and dark hair, but my tribe’s different,” McDowell said.

Being Native American takes up a large part of his life and he is proud to represent his culture.

“I know a lot of people who are Native American, but as far as my knowledge and what I have been told I’m the only one of few, if not the only one, who is a registered Native American in AISD,” McDowell said.

Most of his closest friends know him and who he is, and although it is a unique factor, it does not change him,

“I wouldn’t say it changes his personality. He is different in the fact he was born on a reservation, which is pretty unique,” senior Ben Wheeler said.

McDowell is honored to share his heritage and who he really is because it is such a unique factor and English teacher Bree Rolfe agrees to the importance expressing pride.

“I would hope that he would share his heritage more with the Bowie community,” Rolfe said.

One unique factor is that McDowell is able to get benefits for college.

“I get special benefits for college, I get free SATs and scholarships, I got accepted into college in Colorado for just being a registered Native American,” McDowell said. “It’s nice knowing I have some sort of a safety blanket.”