Student Spotlight: Mother of Five Pursues Nursing Dreams at Southeast Tech

as featured in pigeon605.com

Ashley Krull was 10 years old when she decided to become a nurse. Her interest was sparked when the Luverne, Minn., native helped her grandfather recover from knee replacement surgery. Ashley landed her first job as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) when she was 18 and planned to go to nursing school that fall, but she put school on hold when her life took a different path.

Recently, she decided the timing was right and enrolled in Southeast Technical College’s Licensed Practical Nursing program. But when Ashley graduates this spring, she will just be getting started. Find out more about Ashley’s dreams, goals, and how STC is helping her get where she wants to be.  

Let’s dive in!

Q: Tell us a little about yourself!

A: I moved to the area when I was 18 years old and just started my senior year in high school. After graduating high school, I got my CNA certification, and I loved it! Eventually, I earned my medication aide certification. I’ve worked in healthcare for 21 years in a variety of settings including rehabilitation, memory care and behavioral health but most of my experience has been in long-term care.

Q: When you graduate in May, you are the first woman in your family to graduate college. Can you tell us a little about that?

A: My great-grandmother and grandmother were both young mothers who did not pursue education past high school. My mother completed training to become a dental assistant after high school, back when it wasn’t a requirement to graduate from a college to work as a dental assistant. I’m making my family proud and showing my children that you should not give up on your goals and dreams.

Q: When you finish your education, what are your ultimate plans and goals?

Becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) is my plan! I hope to continue here at STC in the RN program after gaining some experience as an LPN. Once I pass my boards, I’m hoping to work for my current employer in rehabilitation. I want to have a positive impact on the people that are in my care. I really enjoyed my clinical rotation in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU), so that is a possibility down the line, too!

Q: What made you choose Southeast Technical College?

A: I chose Southeast Tech for many reasons. The cost, the location and the flexibility for my family and I were all factors in my decision. I love that there is a part-time evening option in my program, which made it possible for me to have a work/school/life balance.

Q: What is something that has surprised you since enrolling?

A: I was surprised to learn how much community involvement there is with Southeast Tech, and particularly my program. The Nursing Student Organization meets regularly and puts together community service projects where students donate their time for different causes, which is amazing.

I also realized how much I enjoy school. It was very intimidating at first with all the unknowns, but I am so glad that I chose this program.

Q: As a mom, can you tell us a little about your family, and what advice would you give other mothers who are thinking about college?

A: I am the mother of five beautiful children - two girls and three boys. I’ve been married to my husband, Nathan, for almost 13 years.

No matter your age or how many children you have, you can still pursue your goals. It is hard work, but worth it, so don’t give up on your dreams. There are a lot of possibilities - online, evening and daytime classes that give you options in finding what fits best for you and your family. If you are thinking about going to school to get your first degree or even going back to school for a career change, just do it. You won't regret it!

Q: What do you do when you are not in school, working or studying?

A: I enjoy cooking, gardening and spending time with my kids. In our free time, we love taking family road trips to see different parts of the country.