The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe the essence of student connection in an associate degree nursing program. Eight participants shared their experiences with connection to one another and the impact that connection had on their journey. They shared the benefits as well as the risks of participating in closely connected groups. This study described the essence of connection as derived from eight key findings taken from individual interviews with the two groups of participants. The key findings were: (1) the participants felt connected to peers in their self-selected groups, (2) there was a "we" component to belonging to their group, (3) the group members did not need to be similar to one another, (4) the size of the group may have influenced the level of connection, (5) the participants often experienced personal and professional growth as a result of their group, (6) benefits out-weighed the risks involved in being in a group, (7) the groups had some form of leadership, and finally (8) there were costs related to group involvement. The findings highlighted the importance of connection to one another as well as the need for early and intentional nursing school experiences that foster the development of study groups. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]