Passionate care provider
A Northwestern track athlete, peer tutor and NEXT mentor, Abigail knew she wanted to pursue a career as a physician assistant while still in high school. She chose a major in biology-health professions and a minor in chemistry, knowing that path would prepare her well for PA studies and a future as a medical professional.
How did your Northwestern education get you ready for PA school?
NWC provided me with valuable resources and opportunities. Due to the college’s small size, I could be a peer tutor, teacher's assistant and work on research—all while participating in athletics. I was also able to develop meaningful relationships with my professors. These relationships made applying to grad school and asking for letters of recommendation easy. And when it came to my anatomy and physiology classes in PA school, I found I had already learned much of the content at Northwestern. This took a huge weight off my shoulders and allowed me to focus more on other classes.
Did you complete an internship or job shadowing experience while at NWC?
Before applying to PA school, I spent my summers as a certified nursing assistant at a long-term care facility and Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. These experiences showed me that I am genuinely passionate about caring for others. During the school year, I did job shadows as often as possible to get a better idea of what I wanted to do. I shadowed doctors, PAs, dentists and physical therapists. Through these shadowing experiences, I became better aware of the different career options available in health care. I believe job shadowing and working alongside medical professionals were vital to my choice to become a PA.
Describe your Northwestern professors.
The biology and chemistry departments at Northwestern are incredible. The faculty are passionate about education and willing to meet one-on-one to help with schoolwork or to talk about faith. It was easy to build relationships and get to know my professors.
How did Northwestern impact your faith life?
Both my professors and peers challenged me with different ideas and questions. My faith became my own through research, digging into my Bible, and open, nonjudgmental conversations. Integrating faith into the classroom taught me how I can incorporate faith into my everyday life and future career. To me, a life of significance is following God’s calling and mission. Two of my goals in PA school are showing God’s love to others and never forgetting to give God the glory.
