Meet junior Abigail Kromarek

Concordia Nebraska junior Abigail (Abbie) Kromarek of Plainview, Nebraska, is majoring in biology with an emphasis in pre-med and a minor in chemistry. She plays basketball for the Bulldogs and alsoparticipates in intramural softball on campus.

“I chose to study at Concordia because they have a great science program that has a high success rate of getting students into graduate and medical school right out of undergraduate. I also chose to study at Concordia because they have a Christ-centered mindset that has helped me grow in my faith while devoting my studies to Christ. Concordia also has a great, supportive community that has helped me excel inmy studies and in my life,” she said. “Concordia is different from other universities because it’s small and focuses greatly on faith and community. Concordia has strong Christian values. Concordia helps its students grow in their faith. Concordia is also different from other universities because the class sizes are smaller. I wanted to go to a college where the class sizes were on the smaller side. The professors know you by name, and they are willing to help you with anything you need.”

Kromarek said Concordia Nebraska’s biology program is different from other universities because the class sizes are small and feature experienced and caring professors.

“The professors push you above and beyond the limits you set for yourself. They help make sure you are ready to take the next step in whatever you are doing after graduating,” she said. “There are only a handful of professors in the biology department compared to other universities. This helps students get to know professors on a personal level. Another advantage of Concordia’s biology program is the cadaver lab. This allows students to get hands-on experience and get ahead.”

Although she found her way to the university because she wanted to play basketball, Kromarek said the university offers not only the athletics experience she hoped for but also outstanding academics and afaith-focused, supportive community.

“I chose to study at Concordia because they have a great science program that has a high success rate of getting students into graduate and medical school right out of undergraduate. I also chose to study at Concordia because they have a Christ-centered mindset that has helped me grow in my faith while devoting my studies to Christ.”

“I initially found my way to Concordia through basketball. Coach Drew Olson reached out to me and told me to come take a visit. On my visit, I realized how beautiful a campus Concordia had and how rooted in faith it was. I then looked into the science programs and noticed that Concordia had great programs. The biology department was very established, and students had high success rates into graduate and medical schools right out of college. They also had personable professors that were friendly and interested in developing students through their classes,” she said. “One of my favorite things about my experience at Concordia so far is all the connections and friends that I have made. I never knew I could have so many friends at once. I made special friendships on the basketball team, and I also made friends in my science classes that had the same interests as me. Another one of my favorite things about my experience is being on the basketball team. The team is truly a family to me, and we have some of the best times together. We are very Christ-centered, and Coach Olson makes it a priority to put our faith and well-being first. Another one of my favorite things about my experience is the strong presence of faith. The entire campus is rooted in Christ.”

Kromarek said her professors have continually encouraged her in various ways, urging her to take different classes to experience all the different areas of science.

“This helped me to realize I wanted to pursue a degree in biology for pre-med. My professors are very personable to me,” she said. “They ask about my family, and they make sure I feel welcomed and valued.They help you plan your future and set goals, and they also help you figure out how you are going to accomplish your goals.”

She said her Concordia experience is also developing her faith in Jesus Christ.

“The constant reminders of Christ on campus and in my classes help me to center my attention on Christ. One of my favorite things is how all my classes pray before starting. This helps me to apply what I am learning to God’s beautiful creation,” she said. “Another one of my favorite things is the devotions before each basketball game. For home games, we have someone in the Concordia community, past or present, come give a devotion. For away games, either a parent, player or coach will give the devotion. I love this because it reminds me why we play and Who we play for.”

Kromarek grew up on a farm and has two younger brothers. She loves sports, staying active, riding horses, reading, being outside in nature at the lake or the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

“I am most thankful for my friends and family. They have shaped me into the person I’ve become today. They have helped me grow in my faith and pushed me to be the best version of myself. I am thankful for all the memories I have made so far and the many more that are to come,” she said. “The most important person in my life is my mom. She has helped me in ways she doesn’t even know. She’s my best friend,and I tell her everything. She has supported me in everything I do, and she continues to inspire me. I want to be like her when I grow up!”

Following graduation, Kromarek plans to go to medical school and eventually serve as a family practice doctor in a rural setting, working with people of all ages.

“My professors and the biology department have pushed me in my studies to become the best version of myself,” she said. “They have prepared me well with knowledge and critical thinking skills that will helpme get ahead in whatever I am doing. My professors have encouraged me to put my faith in Christ and to rely on him through the good and bad times.”

Biology majors at Concordia University, Nebraska learn many valuable skills that directly translate to the working world, such as running experiments, analyzing results and formulating hypotheses. With amajor in biology, students have multiple career opportunities: from careers in biology (such as working in biology labs) and careers where biology is a crucial foundation (such as working in health industries).