Boise State students share their HOSA experiences

Boise State is hosting the 25th annual Idaho HOSA – Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference March 11-13 with support from the College of Health Sciences.

The members of Boise State’s chapter of HOSA are preparing for the competitions and workshops during the conference and also to help welcome more than 1,100 high schoolers from around the state to campus. Three Boise State HOSA students took a little time out from preparing for their state HOSA competitions to speak with us about their experience with HOSA and how it has helped their career explorations and education.

Leana Jack, Current President of Boise State’s HOSA Chapter

What’s your major, when do you expect to graduate, and what’s your hometown?

I’m Leana Jack and my major is kinesiology with an emphasis in rehabilitation science. I expect to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in spring 2027. I plan to apply to Boise State’s accelerated Master of Athletic Training program, with the goal of completing my master’s degree in spring 2029. I am originally from Oceanside, California, but I have lived in Idaho for six years now.

What career do you want to pursue and why?

The career I hope to pursue is athletic training. I chose this major and career path because I grew up playing competitive volleyball and experienced multiple injuries throughout my athletic career. Through those experiences, I spent a lot of time working with athletic trainers, which gave me early exposure to the field and showed me how impactful athletic trainers can be in supporting athletes physically and mentally. Those interactions played a big role in shaping my interest in sports medicine and rehabilitation.

How did you get involved with HOSA originally?

I was involved with HOSA in high school at Owyhee High School, where I took sports medicine courses taught by Taylor Clark, who had a significant influence on my decision to pursue athletic training. She also served as my HOSA advisor for all three years that I was involved in the organization. During my senior year, I served on the chapter’s cabinet, and we took 14 students to the International Leadership Conference in Houston, Texas. Being part of HOSA in high school helped me develop leadership skills, gain hands-on exposure to healthcare-related skills, and connect with peers and professionals who shared similar career interests. That experience helped prepare me for both college and a future career in healthcare.

Why did you get involved with Boise State’s HOSA chapter and how has it shaped your college experience so far?

The Boise State chapter of HOSA has shaped my college experience by giving me a strong sense of community within the College of Health Sciences and across campus. It has connected me with students who share similar goals in healthcare and has provided opportunities to grow as a leader outside of the classroom. Being part of HOSA has helped me feel more supported and confident as I navigate a challenging academic path.

I decided to run for president of Boise State’s HOSA chapter because I was a founding member and served on the cabinet during the chapter’s first year. I played a role in helping establish the structure of the organization and wanted to continue building a strong foundation for future students. During our first year as a chapter, all of our members who competed at the State Leadership Conference advanced to the International Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Watching the chapter grow from the ground up and seeing members succeed motivated me to step into a leadership role and help guide the organization as it continues to develop.

How is HOSA enhancing your education outside the classroom?

HOSA is enhancing my education by allowing me to apply what I learn in the classroom to real-world healthcare and leadership situations. Through competitions, conferences, and leadership experiences, I am developing skills such as teamwork, communication, professionalism, and critical thinking. HOSA has also helped me gain a better understanding of the expectations of healthcare professionals and has motivated me to hold myself to a higher standard as I prepare for a future career in athletic training.

Delaney Walter-Horejs, Current Vice President of Boise State’s HOSA Chapter

What’s your major, when do you expect to graduate, and what’s your hometown?

My name is Delaney Walter-Horejs, and I am a fourth semester Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Boise State University. I expect to graduate in spring 2028 and I am originally from Star, Idaho. 

What career do you want to pursue and why?

After graduation, I plan to work as a registered nurse, with a long-term goal of specializing in fertility sciences and reproductive health. I am passionate about supporting women and families during some of the most meaningful and vulnerable moments in their lives. 

I chose nursing because I have always been drawn to both science and service. I wanted a career that would challenge me academically while also allowing me to build meaningful, connections with patients and our local community. 

How did you get involved with HOSA originally?

I was involved in HOSA in high school, and it played a significant role in shaping my career path. Through competing in healthcare-related events like phlebotomy and environmental health, and collaborating with motivated peers, I gained confidence, professional skills, and leadership abilities. HOSA helped prepare me for the expectations of college and strengthened my confidence in choosing healthcare. 

Why did you get involved with Boise State’s HOSA chapter and how has it shaped your college experience so far?

As a founding member and current vice president of the Boise State HOSA chapter, I helped establish a collegiate chapter because I saw how impactful the organization had been in my own journey. I wanted to create a space where health sciences students could continue developing leadership skills, compete at the state and international level, and build a strong professional community with others. 

The Boise State chapter of HOSA has deeply shaped my college experience. Leading the organization has strengthened my communication, organization, and teamwork skills, and it has pushed me to grow both personally and professionally. Representing Boise State through our chapter’s educational achievements on the international stage in Nashville, Tennessee was an incredible honor. 

How is HOSA enhancing your education outside the classroom?

HOSA enhances my education by bridging the gap between classroom learning and personal and professional development. It reinforces the values of leadership, service, and growth in healthcare, and it continues to motivate me to become the best nurse and leader I can be.

Alexis Black, Former State Officer for Idaho HOSA

What’s your major, when do you expect to graduate, and what’s your hometown?

My name is Alexis Black. I am a kinesiology major with a pre-allied health emphasis at Boise State University and expect to graduate in Fall 2026. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, but I have lived in Boise for the past eight years. After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a career as a sports chiropractor working with professional athletes. 

What career do you want to pursue and why?

I chose kinesiology and chiropractic care because of my deep love for sports, healthcare, and helping others. Growing up, I participated in a wide range of sports, from ballet to swimming, and my genuine love of being active. At the same time, I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare because I enjoyed science, medicine, and supporting people when they were injured or not feeling their best. Chiropractic care stood out to me because it combines rehabilitation, prevention, and optimizing performance. As a sports chiropractor, I hope to help athletes recover from injuries, prevent future injuries, and perform at their highest level. 

How did you get involved with HOSA originally?

I have been involved in HOSA for six years, beginning my freshman year of high school. Through HOSA, I explored a variety of healthcare careers including nurse anesthetist, EMT, and chiropractors. It introduced me to career paths I had never considered and helped me develop a greater appreciation for the diversity within the healthcare field. I was able to job shadow a Sports chiropractor who is the chiropractor for Team USA’s Olympic women’s wrestling and for Ballet Idaho. Attending the State Leadership Conference career fair and the expo at the International Leadership Conference opened my eyes to the innovation and opportunities available in healthcare. I still remember how proud I felt wearing my HOSA blazer at my first conference, realizing I was part of something bigger than myself, a community of students all striving to make a difference in healthcare. 

What was it like serving as an Idaho state HOSA officer?

Serving as a State Officer for two years was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. My first year, I served as the Region I & II Vice President. In this role, I represented the northern regions of Idaho by communicating with chapters and reporting their needs and feedback to my officer team. I also served as secretary during meetings, helped plan the State Leadership Conference, and represented Idaho HOSA at events such as the International Leadership Conference in Dallas and the Washington Leadership Academy (WLA) in Washington, D.C. I presented leadership training symposiums for chapter officers at BASIC (Believing and Achieving Success in Idaho Chapters) conferences across the state. Beyond the responsibilities, what meant the most to me was meeting the members and watching them gain confidence in their abilities throughout the year. Seeing students discover their passions and grow into leaders reminded me why I fell in love with HOSA in the first place. 

My second year I served as the Post-Secondary President. In addition to similar leadership responsibilities, I represented the post-secondary division on the Idaho HOSA Board of Directors. I worked to strengthen existing collegiate chapters and helped establish new ones across Idaho. I also participated in Student Day at the Legislature, advocating for Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) before the Idaho Education Committee with the other presidents of the seven CTSO’s in Idaho. While in Washington, D.C. for WLA, we met with

Idaho senators and representatives to advocate for the importance of HOSA programs. These experiences helped me find my voice as an advocate and understand the impact students can make for our future. HOSA taught me resilience, professionalism, and the importance of serving others, lessons that extend far beyond competitions or conferences. These experiences shape me into the leader and person that I have become today. 

How has Boise State’s HOSA chapter shaped your college experience so far?

The Boise State HOSA chapter has significantly shaped my college experience. When I first arrived on campus, it provided an immediate sense of belonging and familiarity. It felt like home during a major transition in my life. It was a part of me that I am glad I was able to continue into the post-secondary division because I get the opportunity to go back and mentor younger members who are in similar positions that I once was in. The friendships, mentorship, and shared commitment to healthcare excellence have made my college experience richer and more meaningful. 

How is HOSA enhancing your education outside the classroom?

HOSA has enhanced my education by connecting classroom learning to real-world application. Through competitions and hands-on experiences, I have been able to test my knowledge, apply my skills in professional settings, and receive feedback from healthcare professionals. Throughout my HOSA journey, I have competed in Parliamentary Procedure, Biomedical Debate, and Pathophysiology. Each event challenged me in different ways and pushed me to grow both academically and professionally. Parliamentary Procedure strengthened my understanding of structured leadership, teamwork, and effective communication. Biomedical Debate sharpened my critical thinking skills and taught me how to analyze complex healthcare issues while confidently defending evidence-based positions. Pathophysiology deepened my scientific knowledge and allowed me to explore disease processes in a way that directly connects to my interest in healthcare and rehabilitation. These competitive experiences made the content I learn in kinesiology courses more meaningful because I have practiced applying that knowledge under pressure and in collaborative environments. 

HOSA is more than an organization to me, it is a family and a foundation for my future. As I pursue my career in sports chiropractic care, I hope to continue advocating for healthcare education, mentoring students, and giving back to the organization that has given me so much. HOSA has not only prepared me for a profession in healthcare, but it has also shaped the leader and person I strive to be every day.