The demands of an education in the health professions has brought three siblings closer together though the rigors of their programs kept them from seeing each other on a regular basis.
If any of them went home to Osceola, Neb., for the weekend, most of their time was spent studying.
Until Lindsay Peterson graduated in December from the UNMC physician assistant program on the Kearney campus, the three Peterson siblings were all enrolled at UNMC at the same time. Landon and Lori Peterson currently are enrolled on the Lincoln campus in the dentistry and nursing programs, respectively. Lori plans to graduate in 2019. Landon plans to graduate this spring and then will enter UNMC’s orthodontic residency program in Lincoln.
As the oldest, Landon led the pack. All three siblings were voted homecoming king or queen and achieved salutatorian of their graduating classes at Osceola High School.
“We all continually had big shoes to fill, and we all have worked hard to live up to our potential,” Lindsay said.
Lindsay said they did not text, call, or get together often. “But we know and understand in our hearts the amount of time that each of us is putting into our program to be successful as we work toward our goals and dreams.
Until she started the nursing program, Lori said she had no idea how demanding it would be. “I now understand that a full day of studying truly means a full day of studying from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., sometimes longer.
“Growing up with siblings who set such great examples for me and showed me that tremendous rewards come from hard work has helped me strive to be like them and follow in their footsteps. I can count on them for anything, from study tips to calming my fears of an upcoming test or providing a quick ‘Good luck’ text before an exam.”
The siblings said they are thankful especially to their parents, Tim and Jean Peterson, for the continuous love, support, and understanding while pursuing their education. “We would not be where we are today without them! They also take the time and travel to see us for an hour or two during our study breaks or for a quick supper together,” Landon said.
They also give credit to UNMC. “UNMC has guided us each into becoming the best we can be within our own disciplines of the medical field,” Landon said.
Landon is an amazing and thoughtful young man. I am honored that I got to work with such an outstanding student for the last two years as his group leader. He has a bright future ahead and I wish him the best! Dr. Kallio
Thank you, Dr. Kallio! It has been an honor to work under the guidance of you and Dr. Bokemper within the Black Group at UNMC College of Dentistry.
Lindsay was among the first cohort of PA students to be accepted for and to graduate from our Kearney site, where she and her classmates successfully met every challenge with a positive, can-do attitude . Lindsay was an extremely thoughtful, dedicated, and successful student, and I have no doubt she will excel as a PA practitioner as well. This story makes it clear that we at UNMC have been fortunate to have the opportunity to work this amazing trio of siblings. I wish each of them the best in their careers, and I congratulate Tim and Jean Peterson on raising some wonderful children!