Abby Christmas ‘25 | Health Sciences major, Chemistry minor
Attending Saint Anselm College had a profound impact on me academically, mentally, and socially. Being able to compete at a high level in athletics while also receiving an amazing education is an experience I am incredibly grateful for.
Initially a Nursing major, Abby Christmas ’25 knew she wanted to work in healthcare but wasn’t sure if that was what she wanted to pursue. After learning more about the physician assistant (PA) profession from faculty at Saint Anselm College, Christmas switched to study health sciences on a PA track. She appreciated that the Health Sciences major offered clearly defined tracks to students who had specific career goals but gave flexibility to those who are still exploring their options. Today, Christmas is enrolled at Nazareth University’s Master of Science Physician Assistant program.
What brought you to Saint Anselm?
I first learned about Saint Anselm during my lacrosse recruiting process in high school. I visited campus and instantly fell in love! From that first day visiting Saint Anselm, I felt such an overwhelming sense of community and belonging, and I knew it was where I wanted to go.
How did you feel supported as a Saint Anselm student?
One of the biggest benefits of attending a smaller school with small class sizes is the ability to build personal relationships with faculty and staff. That close-knit environment made it easy to ask for help and feel truly known as a student. The Athletics Department and staff were also incredibly supportive and played a big role in my experience. Saint Anselm additionally offers a wide range of resources from academic support and College Health Services to clubs and campus events. I encourage students to take full advantage of everything available!
Were you involved in any extracurriculars, sports, clubs, etc.?
I was a member of the Women’s Lacrosse team, the Koinonia Service Society, Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and the Student Alumni Ambassadors. These activities gave me a very well-rounded experience at Saint Anselm and also helped me meet so many people. I am very grateful for all of it!
How did you know you wanted to be a Health Sciences major?
My path to becoming a Health Sciences major was a bit different, as I began my freshman year as a Nursing major. I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but I was still exploring which role was the best fit for me. After learning more about the PA profession, I realized it aligned closely with my goals and interests. At the time, the Health Sciences major was brand new and offered a specific track for students pursuing the PA route, which made the transition a natural fit. I switched majors the summer before my sophomore year, and the program’s design allowed for a smooth and supportive transition into the new major.
What was your favorite thing to do on campus?
This is a difficult question—it’s so hard to pick just one! I would say that one of my favorite things was spending time outside with friends when it was warm and sunny out in the fall or spring. Anything from eating lunch or dinner outside, going for walks, finding an outdoor study spot, getting ice cream from C-shop and eating it on the deck, or just hanging out. The campus is so beautiful any time of year and I really encourage students to take full advantage of it.
What were your biggest takeaways from studying health sciences?
Beyond completing my prerequisites for graduate school, studying health sciences was incredibly impactful for me. It was a challenging but rewarding major that gave me a strong foundation in core scientific concepts that I continue to build on in graduate school and will carry into my career. I especially valued the hands-on lab experiences in anatomy, chemistry, physics, and other courses. Being able to apply what I was learning in the classroom to real, practical settings deepened my understanding and strengthened my confidence moving forward.
Did you have a favorite course you took?
My favorite class was Anatomy and Physiology II. I really enjoyed learning about the different body systems and how they interact to maintain overall function. The material was challenging, but it pushed me to think critically and deepen my understanding. The lab component made the experience even more meaningful because it allowed me to apply what we were learning in a hands-on setting. Studying the complexity of each system really solidified my interest in healthcare and reinforced that I was on the right path.
Since graduating, what have you been up to?
Upon graduating, I continued working as a patient care tech at Arnot Ogden Medical Center in my hometown of Elmira, N.Y. where I obtained patient care experience for my PA school applications. I also was able to travel and spend a lot of time with family and friends before starting grad school. One of the highlights was a post-graduation trip to Charleston, S.C. with my college roommates and best friends! I started PA school at Nazareth University and will graduate in December 2027.
Why would you recommend someone study health sciences at Saint Anselm?
I would highly recommend studying health sciences because the major is thoughtfully designed and incredibly comprehensive. It offers clearly defined tracks for students who have specific career goals, while also giving flexibility to those who are still exploring their options. I appreciated how you don’t have to have everything figured out right away, the curriculum provides a strong foundation across multiple areas of science, allowing you to discover what really interests you. The program is also continuing to grow, especially with the addition of Grappone Hall, home to the Jean School of Nursing and Health Sciences, which offers beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Most importantly, the faculty are deeply invested in their students’ success. They genuinely support your goals and challenge you in ways that help you grow both academically and personally.
What were your biggest takeaways from your experience on the Hilltop?
Attending Saint Anselm College had a profound impact on me academically, mentally, and socially. Being able to compete at a high level in athletics while also receiving an amazing education is an experience I am incredibly grateful for. Throughout my time on campus, I built meaningful relationships, created many memories, and grew in ways I never expected. Balancing academics and athletics taught me lifelong skills such as time management, discipline, resilience, and teamwork. Saint Anselm will always hold a special place in my heart for shaping me into the person I am today.