My name is Sara Lease and live in Canton, South Dakota. I first obtained my LPN degree then moved up the ladder to AAS, BSN, and finally MSN/Ed. I have been a nurse for over 25 years in mental health and medical-surgical facilities. Many years ago I accepted a position at Southeast Tech to teach for their LPN program. I was not sure how I was going to like teaching or if I would be any good at, so I kept my positions as a floor nurse as backup if my teaching adventure fell through. Little did I know teaching would be my calling? Three years into teaching for the LPN program I was asked to help start the RN program that the college had just received permission for. What a wild ride that has been! The RN program continues to grow and change. I enjoy getting to know the students and witness how their critical thinking and level of professionalism changes from course to course. Many of our graduates stay close to home for their career and it gives me a sense of pride to know that if I need them one day, I will be in good hands.