NORFOLK, Neb. – Abbey Maibaum has known for years that she wanted to have a career in healthcare, but she was unsure of what her role would be. She now has a better idea thanks to her time as a student at Northeast Community College.
Maibaum, a graduate of Crofton High School, became a Certified Nursing Assistant and Medication Aide and fell in love with being able to help others.
“I have now been working at a nursing home for five years and it always reminds me of why I started this journey.” she said.
Maibaum is presently pursuing as an Associate of Science degree and an Associate Degree in Nursing at Northeast. Following graduation, she plans to attend the University of Nebraska Medical Center and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
“After graduation, I hope to be able to work in a bigger city to get some good experience and then, hopefully, be able to return back to a small town.”
Maibaum said her time at Northeast has prepared her well to move on to her next level of education. That includes her involvement with TRIO. TRIO is a federally funded program that assists income-eligible individuals, first-generation college students (students who come from families where neither parent/guardian earned a four-year degree), and those with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline to post-baccalaureate programs. It also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment and self-awareness.
While attending Northeast, Maibaum has been able to take part in many different activities through TRIO. She enjoys having great support through the program, especially those times when her family may not be available.
“My support system at home is truly what helps me get through all of the emotional struggles of nursing school,” Maibaum said. “My parents and brothers are always their supporting my dream and being available to talk when I need it. And the friends that I have met in the nursing program are also great supporters as they are going through the same thing that I am.”
Maibaum also commends her nursing instructors. She describes them as being extremely helpful in making sure she and her classmates get the best education possible.
Maibaum, who has a 3.8 GPA and has been named to Northeast’s Dean’s Lists, has another supporter who understands the journey she is seeking – her mother.
“She has taught me to never give up on my dream of becoming a nurse and she pushes me to do my best every day,” Maibaum said. “She works in the healthcare setting as well, so she was the first person to spark my interest in nursing. This is also why healthcare has been something I’ve always to do because it is something that I was familiar with.”
For her work and dedication at Northeast, Maibaum has been named the TRIO program’s Student of the Month for December. Each month, a participating TRIO student is selected for the award based upon their work in TRIO and in other activities on campus or in the community. She and other TRIO Student of the Month award recipients receive a plaque and have their photo placed on the program’s Achievement Recognition board in the TRIO office, which features the theme, True Leaders.
TRIO Advisor Brandi Rossman said Maibaum has been a stellar TRIO student during her time at the College.
“Abbey is an outstanding student and works very hard to achieve her goals. She has a very caring personality and will make a great nurse someday,” Rossman said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with her. She always does what is asked of her and with a smile. Abbey will no doubt go on to do great things in the healthcare industry.”
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