What is the most important degree in life?

Most people say high school, college or some form of higher education.

I say it’s 98.6, because that’s what makes you human.

To me, life is about being happy with who you are, enjoying your family, bringing people together and helping each other out.

I’ve been lucky enough to experience that in some pretty incredible ways – both here in the North Country and around the world.

In 2010, I traveled to Haiti as medical support for the Army Corps of Engineers just after a terrible earthquake destroyed the island. Every day, we flew to different areas to set up optical, dental and medical clinics so people could get the care they needed. I’ll never forget watching a kid get glasses for the first time – his eyes just lit up. That moment inspired me to keep going.

In 2023, I got another opportunity through the Plattsburgh Nazarene Church, which does a lot of mission work. I joined a trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where we helped rebuild a school. Some of the local kids pitched in – helping us help them. I was able to teach them about laying bricks or painting.  

Seeing how many people in Africa live – in little shacks on the side of the road just trying to get by – is humbling. They didn’t complain, though. They didn’t see themselves as victims. They were simply happy to be alive and took care of each other.

That kind of positivity is why I’m bringing my 25-year-old son to Guatemala this September for a mission trip. I want him to experience that same humanity. We live a blessed life here, and I’ve come to realize that success isn’t defined by a title or a degree on the wall.  

Dan Lee is nurse manager for inpatient dialysis, IV therapy, certified diabetic education and wound/ostomy at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. He’s been with us for 15 years.