For Abigail Knoernschild, the road to a nursing degree was paved with grit, and a firsthand understanding of life on the other side of a hospital bed.
Originally from Mukwonago, Wis., Abigail came to Winona State seeking a “home away from home.” She had long felt drawn to helping others, but it was a two-week hospitalization before her freshman year that ultimately revealed nursing as her calling.
“I had some of the most amazing nurses there with me every step of the way. After my surgery, I had a nurse who took time out of her busy night shift to braid my hair and talk with me about everything going on. I had another nurse who walked in on me crying… I’ll never forget her saying that I don’t always have to be sunshine and rainbows, especially when life gets hard. Those nurses truly inspired me to become the nurse I plan to be.”
During her time at Winona State, Abigail navigated the financial realities of being a self-supporting student alongside the academic intensity of the nursing program. When a required course delayed her start in the nursing program, she had her doubts, but she is able to see now how the setback reshaped her approach to learning and reinforced her belief that the strongest healthcare professionals know how to lean on others.
“One of the most important things WSU taught me is the importance of having a supportive community. I see how many students need someone to help them through the challenges and celebrate their wins with them. Having that supportive community makes life easier and more fulfilling. The lesson of being a supportive friend is something that I will be bringing into my nursing career.”
After graduation, Abigail will begin her career at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee on the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit, bringing her empathy and “outside the box” thinking to the front lines of healthcare.
To those just starting their Winona State journey, Abigail’s advice is simple:
“I would encourage any future Warrior not to be discouraged by setbacks because my setbacks have helped me grow into a better person and nurse. College flies by fast—enjoy every moment you can.”
