Once a part of the Heidelberg family, always a part of the Heidelberg family – but after graduation, our Student Princes are now the hard-working and ever-learning leaders of a new community. In our new web series, we’re checking in with our recent grads about their Heidelberg journeys, and asking them Where HU Takes U.
Walter Kalinowski
Walter “Wally” Kalinowski grew up in Canal Winchester, Ohio. He earned his degree in Nursing in 2023. You may remember him from the article about his tightrope act of balancing coursework, football practice, and the night shift at Willard Hospital.
What is your current position and when did you begin?
Registered Nurse, Pediatric ICU, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, June 5, 2023
What has been surprising about your new position or the process of earning it thus far?
It was been a large transition from the small hospitals of NW Ohio to a top ranked pediatric hospital in the nation. There has been lots of learning, but my experience at Heidelberg prepared me for change and adversity.
What knowledge or skills do you rely on most in your day to day life?
Time management, Collaboration/Teamwork, Perserverance
What experiences or individuals were particularly impactful during your time at Heidelberg and in what ways?
My experience on the football team guided me in many ways. They always say that it teaches you life long lessons, but I did not understand until I graduated. I used my experiences of teamwork, leadership, and facing adversity during the interview process and have since used all of these skills on a day to day basis to properly do my job. The life mentors I had such as Dr. Karen Estridge and the entire coaching staff helped me get to where I am and I could not be more grateful.
What advice do you have for current undergrads trying to find their next step?
Do what you want to do. Do it to the best of your ability. Understand that your path in life can change and you will need to understand how to get through those tough moments!