Courtney Johnson

Liberal Arts Program
Minnesota North – Itasca

My experience at Itasca was powerful in unsuspecting ways. I worked as a work-study in the Records/Financial aid office and it was an impactful opportunity for me to work alongside professionals who also truly cared about students. I learned so much from the staff about the education system that helped me navigate the rest of my college experiences on my own. The other huge impact on me from my time at Itasca was being a part of the Denmark Exchange program in 2012. The Denmark trip was positively life-altering. I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to travel abroad. I was able to travel with a mix of students whom I knew and many that I did not. We created life-long memories and a true-appreciation for travel and culture. Our group has remained very close. We’ve hosted reunions, attended each other’s weddings, as well as many of us in 2019 returning to Denmark for a reunion tour! I pursued my A.A. Degree at Itasca and then transferred to a 4-year university. The program prepared me by helping me better understand the schedule structure of college vs. high school. I also was able to work and live at home, which helped me save money. When I transferred to North Dakota State University to complete my B.A. in Agricultural Communication and Animal Science, I was well positioned because of my experience at Itasca. Itasca provided me the opportunity to save money on my college experience without losing educational integrity. My A.A. degree provided me with a solid foundation for my B.A. and ultimately my Masters in Education. I am now working as an Extension Educator for the University of Minnesota Extension: Department of Youth Development-Itasca County.

LaMont Johnson

Liberal Arts Program
Minnesota North – Vermilion

Education and experience
I received my associates from Vermilion and was also on the men’s football team. I had my internship at Francis Lauer Youth Center and received my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Waldorf University.

Current employer
St. Ambrose University

Position
Men Wide Receiver Football Coach. My responsibilities are breaking down film, having daily meetings with players, coaching the WR position at practice, and assisting in the weight room with the Strength and conditioning coordinator.

Favorite Vermilion memory
Working with all of the faculty and staff.

Megan McDonald

Liberal Arts Program
Minnesota North – Vermilion

Education and experience
After Vermilion, I transferred to Bemidji State University and got my BS in Elementary Education. I returned to Ely to complete my student teaching at Ely Memorial. I got a 6th-grade teaching position right out of college.

Current employer
West Central Area Schools

Position
I’m currently teaching 6th grade Language Arts. This year, I have 70 kids that rotate throughout my classroom through the day. In this school, I deal with kids from all walks of life. Much like Ely, it is a small community (big difference–farming community!) Our school day starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 3:15. Two days a week I run an after-school program for at-risk/struggling students. Seeing kids succeed brings me great joy. My goal going into teaching was to change lives, cliché as it may sound. It’s not about the money… it’s about the smile, light bulb going off, the kids feeling safe in my room. If I change a few kids lives in a positive way, I’ve done my job.

Favorite Vermilion memory
Many of my Vermilion professors played a huge part in shaping the way I live my life and do my job. They are the best part of Vermilion. Pam Brunfelt will always hold a special place in my heart: a professor who demands respect but is also there to talk if something arises. Vermilion holds a true gem with her. I also loved being able to attend the school I grew up around, with my dad (Paul McDonald) being a coach/AD/teacher since I was a baby! I saved a ton of money going the community college route, and wouldn’t change my decision. I graduated the same time as everyone else in 4 years, with no debt. Completely and totally worth it.