For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: December 18, 2024
At 18, Kindrai on fast track to becoming a doctor
Fennimore -At the age of 18, Clara Kindrai has already graduated from high school, earned a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) technical diploma, and associate degree – nursing, in addition to working multiple jobs in health care. Kindrai, from Lancaster, Wisconsin, graduated with other Southwest Wisconsin Technical College students on Dec. 13, where she earned the associate degree. “As a freshman in high school I knew my education was one of my highest priorities,” she said. “I applied to Southwest Tech’s CollEdge Up program and was accepted during my sophomore year in high school in 2021.”
As part of CollEdge Up, Kindrai completed four nursing classes, along with the nursing prerequisites, that prepared her for nursing school. While she was taking the Southwest Tech classes, Kindrai was also able to complete her high school requirements through the online eAchieve Academy, based in Waukesha, Wisconsin. She graduated from high school a year early, in 2023. “My decision to attend Southwest Tech was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my future,” she said. “The CollEdge Up program has given me quite the head start in my professional career.”
Clara credits her drive and motivation to watching her mother, Maria, over the years. Maria worked for many years as an ER nurse before moving on to Southwest Tech to take on a teaching role in the nursing program. “She is one of the biggest role models in my life,” said Clara. “I always took special interest in hearing about her care for individuals who were in critical condition, and I realized through these ‘dinner table conversations’ that I also wanted to be in a role of kind, compassionate care for those who are experiencing some of the biggest and scariest moments of their lives.”
In addition to Maria, Clara’s father, Jeff was the health director for the Grant County Health Department for many years before retiring.
Kindrai’s biggest fear, at 15 and taking college classes, was her general inexperience with higher level classes and how college works. “I found that Southwest Tech provides a lot of support to their students,” she said. “One of the biggest academic supports I had was my advisor, Pauline. She guided me through the entire process. I always knew what I had to do next.”
“I am thankful for the wonderful classmates who supported each other throughout the program, especially in the challenging classes,” added Kindrai.
During her educational path, Kindrai has always worked at least two jobs. She started at a long-term care facility in Lancaster, where she worked for two years. She also worked in home health care and hospice through the Grant County Health Department. During her final college semester, Kindrai took a position at Grant Regional Health Center, in Lancaster, as a nurse intern.
The next step for Kindrai is a move to Tennessee. In January, she will be enrolled at the University of Tennessee-Martin. There, she will earn a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology. After those two years, she will apply to medical school and eventually have a career as an ER physician. “Being a CNA prior to earning a nursing degree not only helps you to become a better nurse, but a better team player in the health career field,” she said. “I believe my experience in nursing, with my associate degree, will give me a better perspective on my team members as I advance my career into a physician role.”
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. The college was recently named a top 10 finalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |