Health Professions Showcase well-attended

Approximately 25 parents, teachers, counselors and other adults accompanied the students to the modules as well as tours of the human cadaver lab and a student panel discussion.

Kristal Kuhnel, director of the health professions program said it was wonderful to have students and adults attend and engage in a conversation with CSC students, faculty and staff about health professions.

“It’s great that they spent the day with us,” she said.

Wendy Jamison, associate professor and chair of the Physical and Life Sciences department, said it was encouraging to see all four grade levels of high school students represented.

“For me it's amazing to see that many students showing up to learn about the health professions and I think it was great seeing the different age ranges. Freshmen and sophomores are figuring out what they need to do now to be prepared for the health professions. That's a huge step. So much of what they do now matters as they move forward and to see that excitement now as they start to think about what they want to do with their future is a huge success,” she said.

Scott and Peg Engberg of Hastings, Nebraska, traveled to the event with their son, Justin.

“This was a very informative day for us. There was great dialogue during the student panel.  Great questions and answers from student panel and audience. Loved the personal small group tour of the campus and our tour guide, Chelsey,” Scott said.

Ian Ahrens of Palmer, Alaska, was one of four CSC students who served on a panel.

“I think the students learned what to expect when they get to college and how to prepare now. The panel discussion experience helped me realize the personal growth I've seen in my studying habits and overall learning since I was in their positions,” he said.

Frantzlee LaCrete of Lewellen, Nebraska, also served on the panel and gave presentations in the gross anatomy lab. He said the experience provided him the opportunity to think about his college career and what he would change if he could go back in time.

Another panel member, Cody Rowley of Lodgepole, Nebraska, said she realized that incoming students are as intimidated by the health professions careers as she was. She also said she learned from his fellow panel members’ answers to the questions from the audience.

“The high school students learned what to expect when they being their post-secondary education, the pros of Chadron State, and the benefits of the science program here. Although they asked tough questions, I thought, as a group, we were able to answer them in great depth,” she said.