The 4-year Arizona State University Career Opportunities Project, designed to provide Arizona Indians with Bachelor's degrees so they could be employed as teachers in their home communities, graduated 34 teachers, 24 of whom were interviewed. Over half reported a period following their graduation in 1974 when they were closely watched by parents of their students and other community members. Relationships between program graduates and other school employees were generally excellent, with a few negative reactions. Although tribal leaders viewed the program as a major breakthrough, community members in several cases reacted with skepticism. Some participants were sustained in the program by encouragement from their parents; others reported that a relative was openly hostile or jealous following their graduation. Reactions from students were positive, after they became convinced that it was possible for an Indian to be a teacher. The test of time has proven that these teachers, who were regarded by members of their communities as "smart" when they graduated, are now also regarded as "wise," and are regularly sought out by parents and other community members for advice on educational matters. (MH)