NE North Dakota News

Abby Pankow, Eden Kramer, and Karolynn Winger, all from Minot, found their friendship strengthened while studying at Minot State University in the Communications Science and Disorders program. Their shared pursuit of a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology played a key role in bringing them together.

Leisa Harmon, an assistant professor at the university, observed the strong bond between the three students. "They seem like very close friends who do a lot together," Harmon said. She noted that it was unique for them to have come from different high schools yet formed such a close-knit group at Minot State.

Pankow, Kramer, and Winger had limited interactions during their high school years despite living in the same community. It was through mutual friends that they first met. Kramer recalled meeting Pankow through her now fiancé at Bishop Ryan High School events. "We went to our prom as a group," she said.

The trio's friendship deepened during their undergraduate and graduate studies at Minot State. Despite having been rivals in high school sports competitions, particularly between Kramer and Winger, they became close friends during college.

Minot State University's proximity to home was a significant factor in their decision to attend there. Once enrolled in graduate school, they became inseparable study partners. They supported each other through rigorous academic challenges including comprehensive exams and the PRAXIS test.

"Our graduate program is quite rigorous," Harmon explained about their journey through clinical work and late hours on campus. "They were really a source of strength and support for each other."

Winger expressed how crucial this support system was: "Going to graduate school is not for the weak." She emphasized how important it was to have peers who understood what they were going through.

Currently engaged in externships where they apply their skills practically, Pankow noted how proud she felt when they passed major exams together: "Passing comps and the PRAXIS was definitely a moment worth celebrating."

Looking beyond graduation, these graduates plan to maintain their supportive network as they embark on professional careers. They look forward to personal milestones like weddings and potentially collaborating professionally again someday.

"We've joked about opening a private practice," Winger mentioned as one possibility for future collaboration after gaining more experience.

Reflecting on her time at Minot State University, Winger concluded: "I'm super grateful and happy that I chose Minot State because of the friendships that I've made."

Minot State University continues its commitment to excellence in education with active learning environments aimed at fostering community engagement among its students.