Schulte sets aspirations high

On a stormy night in Sioux Falls a few years ago, Molly Schulte was in the garage, cuddling with her dog, Woodstock, who was afraid of thunderstorms.

Schulte, a junior, has a passion for helping others. This passion has led Schulte to pursue a career in nursing, and will lead her to graduate a year early from the program.

“It’s better if I get done sooner,” Schulte said. “It gives me the opportunity to go out and work before I get my graduate degree.”

Schulte said as a child, she was tender hearted and knew she would either eventually work with animals or people. That trait, along with an abundance of nurses in her family, led her to nursing.

“Even though it’s emotionally challenging, helping people get better is what I want to do,” Schulte said.

She is preparing to graduate early by studying three to six hours a day, along with spending 10 hours in clinicals. In addition to her nursing classes, Schulte takes online classes.

Growing up in Sioux Falls, Schulte said she always expected to attend South Dakota State University, the university her high school friends planned to attend. Later her parents persuaded her to take a campus visit of the University of South Dakota, she chose a different path than her friends.

“It’s good to have a little distance,” Schulte said.

Schulte’s brother, Zack, is a sophomore at USD. He said his sister’s decision to attend USD helped push him to the university.

“We have the occasional lunch or bump into each other,” he said. “Last year, she helped me meet new people.”

Schulte said she keeps herself grounded by returning home often to visit her family and boyfriend.

“They keep me calm,” Schulte said.

Schulte said she also leans on her sorority sisters in Alpha Xi Delta, where she serves as the New Member Orientation Chair, to help her when she is in Vermillion.

“Sometimes, I want to do fun things with friends, but I have to focus on my studies,” Schulte said.

Sophomore Jenna Johnson is Schulte’s roommate, and said she has seen Schulte’s caring personality firsthand.

“There are times when I’m frustrated, and she’ll sit there and let me vent,” Johnson said. “She will do anything for those she loves and cares about.”

Despite the strain her studies takes on her social life, Schulte said she still finds time to spend with her friends and de-stresses by going to the Wellness Center to do Pilates, play volleyball or take a Zumba class.

Schulte said she is drawn to nursing because she is able to be the patient’s advocate. After working with new mothers and newborns last semester, she said she is drawn to that side of the profession.

“It has a lot more positive attitude,” Schulte said. “People are going in for a baby, not because they’re sick or hurt. It’s really exciting for me.”

Even though she said it’s difficult, Schulte said nursing is worth it.

“Even though nursing is a lot of work, it’s a great program and place,” Schulte said.

Zack Schulte said his sister has taught him the value of hard work. During the summer, she took online classes, along with working at a nursing home and at Hy-Vee.

“Overall, she has taught me to have a positive attitude and optimism in everything you do,” Zack Schulte said. “She knows her stuff and she’s worked hard at it. She’s passionate.”