Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
It’s easy to sing the praises of Arizona; beautiful landscapes, beautiful skies, beautiful animals and beautiful people. But there are some things that make life here just a little bit rough and less than ideal. Here’s a look at a few of them: