For Olivia Zumbahlen, the path to her future started with an unexpected detour. A lifelong animal lover, she once imagined herself in veterinary school, dedicating her life to caring for animals. But by the time she reached her sophomore year of high school, an unforeseen challenge forced her to reconsider—her allergies, particularly to dogs and cows, had become impossible to ignore.

“I always loved animals, but my allergies just kept getting worse,” Olivia says. “I could have tried medications, but in the end, I realized I didn’t want to fight against my own body every day.”

It was a difficult shift, but instead of dwelling on what she couldn’t do, Olivia focused on what she could. She had always loved people—especially babies and children—and she knew she wanted a career that allowed her to make an impact. Nursing, particularly labor and delivery, became the clear answer. “I love talking to people, helping them, making a difference in their lives,” she says. “I realized that nursing would let me do all of that and more.”

Now a senior at Newton Community High School and an Illinois State Scholar, Olivia is already getting hands-on experience in the healthcare field. She is currently enrolled in a CNA program, gaining practical knowledge while working through clinicals at a local nursing home. Though the setting is far removed from labor and delivery, she has found meaning in the work. “I love getting to know the residents, hearing their stories, learning about their pasts,” she says. “It’s completely different from newborn care, but it’s still about making connections and providing comfort.”

Olivia’s work ethic and drive come naturally, shaped by the example of her mother, a hardworking hairstylist. “She’s always been ambitious, always putting in the effort, and I think that’s where I get it from,” Olivia reflects. “She used to babysit a lot of kids too, and I saw firsthand how much patience and care that took.”

Her older sister, a nursing student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has also been a source of inspiration. “She’s my best friend,” Olivia says. “Watching her go through nursing school made me realize that I could do it too.”

Next year, Olivia will follow in her sister’s footsteps, attending SIUE to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Though she’s keeping her future flexible, her current goal is to specialize in labor and delivery. “That’s where I see myself,” she says. “Bringing life into the world, being part of those first moments—it just feels right.”

Despite her excitement about college, Olivia knows leaving home won’t be easy. She has always loved the small-town feel of Newton, the way people recognize one another at the bank, the sense of trust and familiarity that comes with a close-knit community. “It’s definitely homey,” she says. “I love that I can walk into places and know almost everyone there. It’s comforting.”

Even with her deep attachment to home, Olivia is determined to push past her comfort zone. “I get homesick really easily,” she admits. “But I also know that stepping outside of what’s familiar is important. I want to meet new people, experience new things, and grow.”

Her time at Newton High School has been filled with activities that have helped shape her into the person she is today. She played in the marching band for three years, serving as part of the drumline, and she has been involved in student council for all four years of high school. Though she’s not a self-described athlete, she spent a year on the tennis team and has always stayed active in school clubs and events.

Being named an Illinois State Scholar was an unexpected honor for Olivia. “I had no idea I was even close to qualifying,” she says. “I knew I had good grades, but when I got the letter in the mail, I was shocked.” The recognition serves as a testament to her dedication and hard work, even when she doesn’t always give herself credit. “Academics have always come naturally to me, but I do put in the effort. I just never thought of myself as someone who would stand out for it.”

That humility, paired with her drive, is what makes Olivia remarkable. Even as she prepares for the next chapter, she’s reminding herself to slow down and savor the moment. “I’ve always been someone who looks five or ten years ahead,” she says. “But if I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be to appreciate where I am right now.”

As she moves forward—first to SIUE, then into the world of nursing—Olivia carries with her the lessons of her small-town upbringing: the value of hard work, the importance of connection, and the knowledge that sometimes, life’s detours lead to the most fulfilling destinations.