From her first year at Gustavus, Abby Nistler had her eye on the nursing program. When the time finally came to apply, she felt so nervous about the chance of being declined that she didn’t tell anyone. Now a senior finishing up the last semester of her nursing major, she smiles at the memory of her acceptance into the program.

“I was running on a treadmill in Lund when I looked down at my phone and noticed the email. I tried to contain my excitement enough to finish the workout but my heart was beating so quickly that I couldn’t so I got off the treadmill and called my mom,” Abby said.

Since a young age, Abby’s had a passion for helping others and she finds nursing the perfect medium to do so.

“I could help people through other means, but I’ve always thought one of the best ways I could keep people happy is to start with their health,” Abby said.

Specifically, she hopes to combine her passion for the environment with her passion for the people to inhabit it and pursue a career in public health.

“Abby integrates her deep passion for the environment into just about everything she does. She is concerned about the global public’s health, and the health promotion that is needed regarding the environment we all live in,” Professor and Chair in Nursing Barbara Zust said.

She’s even integrated her environmental passion into her time here, playing a key role in certifying Gustavus as the first Fair Trade College in Minnesota.

“She strives to do her best and help others in and outside her education. She believes in ‘making her life count’ here on campus as well as out in the community,” Senior Jessica Timmerman said.

On top of her nursing major and work with Fair Trade, Abby is an officer for the Gustavus Student Nurse’s Association, a member of the Gustavus Book Club, Running Club, Kitchen Cabinet, Southwest Hall Council, and an employee for Tech Services.

“Abby is a leader in so many contexts that do not usually receive a lot of attention or praise. Her role in the community has plenty of responsibility and very little thanks but she has done really wonderful things for the campus,” Senior Hayley Nemmers said.

When she finds free time, Abby also enjoys knitting, reading, and spending time with friends. She believes in maintaining close relationships and always remaining open to building new ones.

“Over time I have found that Abby is much more than just a friendly person to chat with in passing. She is a dedicated person who speaks her mind, acts in ways that fit her value system, and remains loyal to the people and things she cares about,” Nemmers said.

While she hopes to savor every minute of her time left at Gustavus, in the future Abby envisions herself pursuing a career in public health.

“She’s a natural leader who interacts well with her colleagues. In the future, I can see her doing whatever she puts her mind to. I envision her as part of a team in healthcare that is determined to make major changes to those in need,” Instructor in Nursing Jessica Stadick said.