Story Published:
Dec 11, 2008 at 7:24 PM MST
Story Updated:
Dec 11, 2008 at 7:24 PM MST
BILLINGS - A Billings woman is getting back what she has put into life.
We all have dreams growing up and Laura Sorenson was no different. She wanted to be a nurse, have a family, but sometimes in life the best things are worth waiting, and working for.
"Ever since I was knee-high to a grasshopper I had it in me and it's like you know, when God calls you to a vocation in your life it's like you know," said Laura Sorenson.
The 39-year-old will answer that calling Friday when she graduates with the first class of registered nurses from the MSU-B College of Technology. "The last few weeks I've had to like kind of pinch myself," said Sorenson. "It's like am I really there, am I really at this point in my life."
Laura grew up at the Flatwillow Hutterite Colony north of Roundup. She left in 2000 to wed Perry Sorenson. "I don't think it can ever totally be torn out of you," said Sorenson of her Hutterite roots.
She left the colony with an eight-grade education. At 32, Laura got her GED through adult education classes at Lincoln Center. "Everything they could for five months they pumped into me; English, learning to write papers, grammar," said Sorenson.
The hard work paid off. Last year she became a licensed practical nurse, and is now finishing up her last semester to become an RN. "She just cares about everything from the patients to her staff members," said Sarah Leland, RN at Billings Clinic, and one of Laura's mentors in her schooling.
"When there is something set in front of you, you will go above and beyond to reach that goal," said Sorenson.
But one goal seemed out of reach to Laura. Motherhood had also been a dream of hers since she was, "knee high to a grass hopper." "It's very painful," said Sorenson tearing up. For years she thought she would not be able to carry a child.
But, she said something miraculous happened once her career fell into place. "After three pregnancy tests I finally believed," exclaimed Sorenson. Seven-month-old Hannah Jade is her parents' precious angel, and sat happily on Laura's lap during the interview.
"My first calling is definitely being a mom, it's so awesome," said Sorenson. Life's journey has lead Laura to the spot where she has always dreamt of being. "If I can go through this you can go through this," she encouraged others. "Do not, do not bag it. Give yourself a chance, believe in yourself."
Sorenson has been hired on as a full-time RN at Billings Clinic on the third floor. The pinning ceremony for MSU-B's College of Technology Registered Nursing Program is Friday, 6:30 p.m., at the Great Hall in the COT Building off Central Avenue.
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