Each Spring Semester I teach a graduate class, Water Policy in Arizona and Semi-arid Regions. This year marked my return to teaching after a one-year hiatus due to my 2020 sabbatical. It was my first experience with a semester-long virtual course. Perhaps because of the two-year gap between classes and/or heightened interest in water management in these challenging times, I hosted the largest class ever – 18 students, including two enrolled auditors. Reflecting on the semester’s experience, I am very upbeat about the high level of interest and capabilities of my students. Though we are facing unprecedented water challenges, I am encouraged by the work of our emerging leaders. I found the students ready to tackle the water and environmental challenges we face as the growing stresses to our physical and human systems become more interwoven and complex.