Even before the COVID-19 pandemic cast a pall of uncertainty across the world, Tessla Crowell had already distinguished herself as someone who can juggle a lot and carry a heavy load.

"Tessla comes from a hardworking farm background that shows her ability to manage her studies, maintain relationships and work in her career path," says Michael Cumiskey, one of her instructors and advisers at Minnesota West Community and Technical College.

Now in her second year of the school's law enforcement program, she is always on the Dean's list and serves in a leadership role in the Alpha Nu Kappa Honor Society.  Crowell is also busy working and building lasting relationship in her chosen profession.  She works as a jailer and dispatcher for the Cottonwood County Sheriff's Department and also serves with the Worthington Police Department Reserve Force.

'I would like to be the officer that is a role model and inspires others to become one as well," she says.  "Being an officer allows me to stay involved with the community."