Biography

Putting the pieces together for a stronger voice!

Looking back on my life and reflecting on the people who had the most influence on me,  I would have to say my father was number one.  He grew up in a Catholic orphanage.  Receiving a good education was what he believed helped him through those tough years.   He was always reminding us to pay attention in school and telling us, “It doesn’t matter what you do with your life as long as you are the best at what you do, educate yourself, knowledge is your best tool.”  So, at a very young age, I knew that a good education was a gift.

I grew up in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois where my junior high physical education teacher, Mrs. Cliff, made a huge impact on my career choice.  Not only did she influence me to look at the teaching profession but she showed me the true meaning of caring.  When I think of her I cannot help but think of the famous quote by Maya Angelou  “People will forget what you say, they will forget what you do, but they will never forget how you make them feel.”  Mrs. Cliff made all of her students believe they were special.  I knew then,  I would become a teacher who cared.

 After graduating from high school,  I ventured to Spearfish, SD to attend Black Hills State University.  It was there that another teacher left a lasting impression on me.  My father passed away my sophomore year and I was devastated and planned to not return to school when I received a phone call from one of my instructors.  “Sandy, when are you coming back to school?”  Those two teachers touched my life more than they will ever know.

It was at Black Hills State that I met my wonderful husband who is also in the teaching profession.  After graduation we ventured to Colorado where my two daughters were born.  Living in Colorado was good, but the desire to return home to South Dakota was great.  Returning home meant settling in Custer where we have lived for the past 14  years.  My daughters are currently attending universities in South Dakota and are benefiting from the great education they have to offer.

 Teaching is not just a profession for me, it is a passion to make a difference in a child's life.

**Paid for by the committee to elect Sandy Arseneault **