Who: Kolby Schaeffer, Major: Nursing, Hometown: Bowman, N.D.
What advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
“Get involved! It never hurts to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone; you never know what opportunities might be presented to you.”
Most positive classroom experience at NDSU:
“Having wonderful professors who take time out of their busy days to answer my questions. They are always willing to make a connection with their students, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them. I still keep in contact with a handful from my freshman year and all have been great resources to this day.”
Schaeffer’s tips for getting to know professors:
Always sit toward the front of the classroom and introduce yourself. “Don't be afraid to ask questions. Professors are not scary people and they won’t bite. They want to help you.”
Activities:
Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, Bison Ambassadors (a student public relations group sponsored by the Alumni Association and Office of Admission), Student Nurses Association, Greek Programming Council, Order of Omega Honor Society and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
What motivates you?
“The heart is my favorite organ. Someone very close to me passed away from a preventable heart condition. Women don’t think about their heart as much because all symptoms published and talked about in the press are associated with what men experience. Women display much different symptoms. I’m passionate about educating women of all ages to understand the symptoms of heart disease which happens to be the number one cause of death in the United States. I’m motivated by the opportunity to help save lives and prevent the pain of families losing their loved ones.”
What is NDSU’s biggest strength?
“NDSU is really a university that puts the students first. Small class sizes, student/faculty interaction and endless student services and organizations demonstrate this. In my four years here, I have seen many buildings added and expanded; new programs, majors, and services added; and new housing created. All of these things are for the students’ benefit, to help them learn and grow.”
Five-year Plan:
"I'd like to be working in a cardiac intensive care unit, hopefully in Fargo. I also plan to apply to graduate school and earn my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree.”