Homeschooled PSEO student pursing B.S.N. via MANE
Abigail Larson 19, grew up in Farmington, Minnesota, in a family that believes in taking a holistic approach to health and education. Homeschooled since the 6th grade, Abi understands the importance of self-motivation in the learning process. She discovered how to best manage her time and take responsibility for her personal and academic progress at a young age.
Abi also took full advantage of the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program at Inver Hills Community College. She completed 40 college credits before graduating from her homeschool, purposely taking courses that aligned with her goal to become a registered nurse (RN).
Three words that describe you as a nursing student:
DEDICATED. SLEEP-DEPRIVED. SOCIAL.
Abi originally wanted to be a vet tech, but she decided on a career in nursing because of her interest in obstetrics. “I lost my sister to stillbirth,” she said. “Seeing my mom go through that experience changed my perspective.”
Abi was inspired to become part a healthcare team focused on pregnancy, labor, childbirth and postpartum recovery. Growing up, she also watched shows about birthing on The Learning Channel and loved them.
“Ever since, I’ve been obsessed with babies,” she said with a smile.
Following her nursing dream…
Abi is dual-enrolled in the Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) at Inver Hills and Metropolitan State University. She is on track to earn her Associate of Science (A.S.) in Nursing in 2019. From there, she will continue taking courses through Metro State to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.). As an RN, Abigail is open to a role in surgery. She’s also interested in working in a birthing clinic and going on to earn a midwifery license.
“I chose Inver Hills because the college has a prestigious Nursing program,” said Abigail, who received a $500 Dakota Electric Scholarship through the Inver Hills Foundation. “I could also live at home while going to school, which saves a lot of money.”
More about MANE…
In collaboration with community colleges and universities in the Minnesota State system, Inver Hills helped develop the innovative Minnesota Alliance for Nursing Education (MANE) curriculum. As a transformative approach to nursing education, MANE encourages a deep understanding of key nursing concepts while addressing the changing healthcare environment.
The Inver Hills MANE Nursing program admissions process admits you to both the Metropolitan State University B.S.N. and Inver Hills A.S. in Nursing programs.
MANE Nursing Application
Application deadline: February 1, 2018
Start date: Fall semester 2018
More about Abi Larson…
Abi resides in Northfield, Minnesota, with her mom, Cindy, who works from home as a distributor of Shaklee natural nutrition, beauty and homecare products, and her dad, Duane, who runs his own excavation business, American Excavating, with Abi’s brother, Darrin, 27, and two of her uncles. Abi also has one sister, Jussie, 29, who works as a radiology technician at CDI.
The family has one dog, Luci, a 5-year-old lab/border collie mix, and two barn cats, only months old, Gray Kitty and Calico Kitty.
When she’s not studying and attending class, Abigail works as a horse trainer at Equitation Station in Hastings, Minnesota. Her specialty is dressage, which she describes as the equine “equivalent of ballet.”
She loves competing in dressage and also trail riding with her registered Arabian horse, Theo. She sings and plays acoustic guitar, often performing worship songs at her church. Climbing boulders is another hobby Abi enjoys—and she’s tackled rocks at Devils Lake in Wisconsin and Taylors Falls on the Minnesota side of the St. Croix River.
Abi Larson Q & A
What is your greatest accomplishment so far?
About five years ago, I wrote an essay for a contest and won a horse. The essay was about how I would care for and train my own horse. Theo is a purebred Arabian. His registered name is Exclamation CA. I named him Theo because he is a “gift from God.”
What person has influenced you the most in life?
My mother, Cindy. She worked as a dental hygienist, but she opted to become a stay-at-home mom.
What are the benefits of homeschooling?
People have a number of misconceptions about what it means to be homeschooled. Your parents are responsible for what you need to know to be successful in life, but they don’t necessarily act as your teachers. My parents and I were co-leaders in my education. Homeschooling works using an honor system and your time is your own. That means you have a lot of flexibility and it’s easier to schedule your studies around work. I would definitely recommend homeschooling. There’s a point to what you’re learning and you become close to your family. My parents are my best friends.
More about PSEO…
The Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program allows high school 10th, 11th and 12th grade students to earn credits that can meet high school graduation requirements while simultaneously earning transferable college credits. Dual-credit courses offer high school students the opportunity to enroll in rigorous courses that further prepare them for postsecondary education. (read more…)
What would you tell a high school student who is considering PSEO?
Definitely do it. Staying in high school just because of friend groups is a terrible excuse.
What do you like best about the Nursing program?
I like the dual-admission route. I like the idea of knowing exactly where I’m going in the program. I’m a control freak, I guess. If I’m taking a class, I need to know why I am taking that class. The teachers in the program are pretty awesome, too.
Abi Larson | 18 Answers
Favorite season: Winter- Favorite natural feature (e.g., waterfalls, oceans, mountains, etc.): Rocky Mountains
- Favorite sport or physical activity: Riding
- Your national bird if you could have one: Bald eagle
- Place you would most like to visit: Iceland
- Favorite holiday: Easter
- Your national mammal if you could have one: Arabian horse
Your personal motto if you had to have one: “Leave it all in God’s hands.”- Coolest thing in the world: God
- Scariest thing in the world: God
- Favorite all-time TV show: Grey’s Anatomy
- One thing you most want to accomplish in life: Serve God to the fullest of my ability
- Most precious material possession: Theo
First thing you would buy if you won the $1.5 billion Powerball: Massive log cabin on 500 acres in Wyoming
- Dream occupation: Nursing
- Person you would most like to meet: My sister, Allison
- Skill you would most like to learn and master: Swing dancing
- Humankind’s greatest challenge: Overcoming the fact we are all born with a sin nature
To learn more about the Nursing program and MANE at Inver Hills, contact:
Diane Elifrits
Nursing Faculty
651-450-3605
Admissions Team
651-450-3000
College Center
To learn more about PSEO, contact:
Mary Kadrlik
Enrollment Services
651-450-3661
