St. Cloud Technical College

From Uncertain Mother to Confident Leader
by Elizabeth Bouska

Patti Peterson

As a 2000 SCTC dental hygiene graduate, Patti Peterson has found a career that moves and inspires her. "Coming to SCTC changed my life," said Peterson. While Peterson had always wanted to be a dental hygienist, challenges and scheduling seemed to get in the way. In 1974 Peterson attended Iowa State University in Ames Iowa. There, she received a degree in education. After years of raising a family she decided to take a risk and pursue her own dream of working in the dental field. Taking that risk wasn't easy.

Peterson found herself on new ground, out on her own, and unsure of her new surroundings. "I came into SCTC with a huge lack of confidence," said Peterson. Coming to college changed all that. "SCTC showed me my potential and challenged me to the max. When I came to SCTC I didn't have the leadership skills and confidence that I left with," said Peterson. With great enthusiasm, Peterson accomplished what she had set out to do.

Peterson now works at Ne-Ia-Shing Dental Clinic in Onamia in Mille Lacs Band Reservation. She also teaches part-time at SCTC.

Peterson is past president of the Minnesota Dental Hygienists' Association (MNDHA). As president, Peterson visited all ten dental hygiene schools, conducted board meetings, met with national leaders in the field, and acted as spokesman for her chapter.

Peterson emphasizes the importance of helping students financially and finds ways to give back. Peterson is inspired and amazed by stories of college students carefully balancing school, jobs, and other commitments. By supporting scholarships, Peterson feels that students will have more study time, and focus less on the need to work because of money issues. More importantly, Peterson says, "the changes you see in students is the most gratifying. My favorite thing is seeing students make that same journey I did. You see such a transition; it is so gratifying and exciting!"

With much passion about what she does, Peterson has come along way from the uncertain mother entering college for the second time, to the confident leader she is today... And that, gives her every reason to smile.