Tara F. Stream

What is your job and why is it your dream job?

Dentist and Owner at Dental Park in Manitowoc, WI. Dentistry allows me the opportunity to interact with people on a daily basis, while using my skills to positively impact their life through bettering their oral and overall health. Also, being one of the owners of a local group practice provides work-life balance that allows me to spend time with my family and friends, as well as the ability to work in the field I love.

Why did you choose Michigan Tech?

I chose Michigan Tech because of the excellent academics and competitive women's basketball program. Michigan Tech allowed me the opportunity to marry academics and athletics so I could obtain an exceptional education while playing Division II Basketball

Now, how about a memorable experience outside of class?

One of my most memorable experiences outside the classroom at Michigan Tech is when our women's basketball team hosted the NCAA Midwest Regional in 2010 at the SDC Wood Gym. We went on to win our Regional and a trip to the NCAA Elite Eight in front of a record crowd of 3,131 fans. The atmosphere of that game at the SDC with all the loyal Husky fans is something I will never forget. A framed picture from this game hangs in my house today!

How well did Michigan Tech prepare you for your career?

Michigan Tech laid the foundation for my future as a dentist. Not only did MTU prepare me for the rigors of Dental School, but it prepared me for all the challenges that come with being a dentist and small business owner. Michigan Tech taught me that nothing worth having comes easily and that every success is usually proceeded by some sort of failure. It's how you handle that adversity and failure that matters.

What was your first job after graduation and how has your career progressed?

Upon graduating from the Marquette University School of Dentistry, I accepted a position with the National Health Service Corporation working at a Federally Qualified Health Center treating the underserved patient population. During this time I also started working part-time at the private practice, Dental Park that I now own with my three partners.

Tell us about a few of your career highlights and notable achievements

- Owner of Dental Park, S.C. in Manitowoc, Wisconsin - President of Manitowoc Calumet County Dental Society - Member of Board of Directors for Lakeshore Technical College Dental Assisting Program

Please tell us why you share your time, talent, and treasure to support Michigan Tech students and/or alumni or volunteer in your community.

As a student athlete at Michigan Tech there were many volunteers who supported the women's basketball program and were instrumental to me and my teammates' success on and off the court. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without their support. I volunteer my time at local schools and non-profit organizations in Wisconsin because I know firsthand the impact it can have and feel that it is important to support the communities in which I work and live.

What advice on being successful would you give to Tech students and young alumni?

Work hard, give it your best and Tech will provide you a great foundation for your future. Michigan Tech is an excellent college filled with wonderful people that will prepare you for life beyond your Husky years. Enjoy your time as a Husky, because they go fast and will most definitely be some of the best years of your life.