March 23, 2017
In our third-edition of the Penn State field hockey alumni update we take a look at Kirsten Gochnauer, a recent alum having wrapped up her playing days in the Blue & White this past fall.
Hometown: Mount Joy, Pa.
Years with PSUFH: 2013-2016
Major: Bio Behavioral Health
How did Penn State prepare you?
Penn State gave me many opportunities that I know I wouldn't have had anywhere else.
Academically, I learned so much from the plethora of challenging classes that I was able to take that will hopefully prepare me for physician assistant school. As a student-athlete, I was challenged each day both physically and mentally.
I learned to strive and persevere through fatigue, exhaustion, and stress, while always keeping a smile on my face. At PSU, I also had the ability to pursue my interests in global health.
I learned so much from my involvement in Global Medical Brigades. I think the combination of all that I was able to do in my four years will prepare me well for the future.
Favorite memory as a Nittany Lion?
Athletically, my favorite memory would certainly be winning the Big Ten Tournament Championship this past season against Maryland.
Maryland is always such a great opponent, and it was an incredible feeling to finally pull out the win my senior year.
It was also an incredible moment because many of the alums that had won the Big Ten Championship four years prior were in the stands. It was great to be able to share that moment with them.
What are you currently up to?
The majority of my time this semester has been spent finishing up my honors thesis. My thesis is an ethical analysis of measles vaccination within the U.S., the U.K., and Japan.
I am currently enjoying a lighter class load this semester. I have a SCUBA diving class right now that has been amazing, another one of the many unique opportunities at PSU. I have also been working as a certified nursing assistant at Foxdale Village.
After graduation, I will be starting Physician Assistant School at Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, PA. I wasn't ready to give up being a Nittany Lion just yet. I was also recently selected for the Navy Health Services Collegiate Program.
After I graduate PA school, I will have a three-year commitment to the Navy. Although I won't be suiting up in the blue & white in the fall, I look forward to wearing a different uniform in the future.