This paid piece is sponsored by Southeast Technical College.
Pabitra Basnet spent her childhood in a place where mental health was not prioritized or understood.
Born in Nepal, she and her parents came to the U.S. when she was 11.
“Nepal, where I am from, is known for treating mental or behavioral health as an incurable disease or disorder,” she said.
“Mental health never really existed in my household. As my parents always said, because I have a roof over my head and food on my plate, I should be OK.”
But she wasn’t OK. Her own experience with managing her mental health led her to learn “that you are more than your traumas, anxiety and depression,” she said. “I can rise above the circumstances and move forward to work toward becoming a source of hope and encouragement for those in need.”
Basnet now has focused her education and career goals on the mental health field. The Washington High School graduate is among the first students to enroll in Southeast Technical College’s new behavioral and mental health technician associate degree program, which began classes earlier this year.
“In a world where mental health is of growing importance, this program is more than an academic endeavor,” STC president Robert Griggs said. “It is a demonstration of our commitment to producing resilient, empathetic and skilled technicians who will serve as part of a supportive care network.”
Technicians in the mental health field are in high demand.
“Behavioral health needs are growing for all ages: adults, adolescents and children. Avera has over 60 years of experience in this field, so we are excited to partner with Southeast Tech on this new career path,” said Thomas Otten, vice president of behavioral health for Avera. “Behavioral health technicians are crucial staff on our care team. They spend a significant amount of their day directly working with patients and have the opportunity every day to speak life to those in need.”
For Basnet, “the program has been very interesting, to say the least,” she said. “From the moment it started, it captivated my attention and sparked my curiosity.”
There have been thought-provoking discussions, engaging activities and enlightening guest speakers, she said.
“We have delved into various subjects dealing with both mental and behavioral health,” she said. “It’s fascinating to witness the connections between these fields and discover how they intertwine to shape ourselves and our world.”
Students such as Basnet and programs like the one she joined are contributing to 8 percent growth year over year in spring enrollment at Southeast Technical College. It marks the college’s highest spring enrollment in a decade. STC is serving 2,462 students this spring, and unduplicated head count this academic year is 3,019 students, with more students starting at the summer term May 13.
“Sioux Falls is growing in population and workforce needs, and we’re growing with the city and fulfilling our workforce mission,” Griggs said.
STC also saw a 10-year high in its fall 2023 enrollment numbers, as well as a boost in its fall-to-fall retention rate, which stands at an impressive 80 percent, a 5 percent increase from fall 2022.
“Our enrollment increase is predominately due to student persistence and dedicated faculty and staff,” said Megan Fischer, vice president for enrollment management and student affairs. “We’re committed to providing all students – high school, traditional or nontraditional, full time or part time, on campus or online – options to make earning a credential possible so they can get that degree and get to work.”
One of Griggs’ priorities throughout his seven-year tenure at STC is industry partnerships. In addition to the behavioral and mental health technician program, STC also launched respiratory therapist and medical lab technician programs in response to industry needs, while opening its state-of-the-art Healthcare Simulation Center early this year.
“Southeast Tech is incredibly proud to partner with Avera, Sanford, the city of Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Forward Sioux Falls and the state of South Dakota to make this facility a reality for students and our community,” Griggs said.
For Basnet, the STC student experience “has been incredibly fulfilling,” she said. “STC is pretty diverse, which allows me to deepen my understanding with students of different backgrounds, and the interactive nature of STC has allowed students like me to actively participate in hands-on learning. All the faculty members have played a crucial role in creating a positive and supportive environment.”
Her next steps include becoming the first in her family to graduate college, followed by gaining clinical experience, furthering her education and maybe even opening her own community clinic.
“I would like to help people maintain stable mental, behavioral or physical health,” she said. “My goal is to utilize my life experiences, knowledge and skills to raise awareness and make a difference. My purpose is to be a part of the change I am seeking in both this world and the community.”
To learn more about the variety of programs at Southeast Technical College, click here.