A student researcher, a peer health educator and a member of the Blue Thunder Marching Band — Alexis Gessler had a goal of trying new things when she started at Boise State. In a busy four years, Gessler has built a strong community of friends and faculty by getting involved in many ways.
Gessler graduates with her Bachelor of Science in Public Health this winter. Read on to learn more about her passion for connecting with others and stepping outside her comfort zone.
Q: What originally brought you to Boise State and the School of Public and Population Health?
A: When I was applying to college, I knew that I wanted to go out of state so that I could get out of my comfort zone and be more willing to try new things. I was also drawn to Boise State because of the marching band program. I play clarinet in the Blue Thunder Marching Band, and it has been one of the best experiences I have had in college. I have made so many friends and lifelong memories. The marching band is generously supported by many donors and the community and the program offers scholarships to students, which has also helped support me financially at Boise State.
I was also drawn to the School of Population and Public Health because of my time working as a Peer Health Educator. I met a lot of people that were participating in the program, which helped me create a network of connections and get into contact with professors. My meetings with them and my experiences working with peers in the program inspired me to study at the School of Population and Public Health.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your studies?
A: I have enjoyed the real world applications of what I am learning. In class, we talk about current events and how public health can be spotted in almost everything that we experience day to day. I really enjoy knowing that what I am learning is useful to my community, and has a real life application.
Q: What experiences have made an impact on your student experience?
A: Working as a peer health educator at Wellness Services helped me gain connections with my peers and professors. I have gained confidence and practice with talking about public health topics in a way that resonates with college students.
I also worked as an on-campus research assistant for the Idaho Caregiver Alliance, which helped me learn more about how data can be applied to public health. I also got to work with the Hispanic population by using my Spanish culture and speaking skills, which has been good practice for my Spanish classes and using my language proficiency outside of a classroom setting.
Q: How has your time in the public health program broadened your outlook on health?
A: I have learned there are so many different populations that are present around us, and every individual has different health requirements to succeed. Our job as future public health professionals is to make sure resources are accessible to everyone, and that we break barriers to receiving care.
I am glad that this program has acknowledged the diversity among the population instead of avoiding it, because it has helped me become a deeper thinker and more empathetic person, especially about public health topics.
Q: What advice do you have for younger students starting out in their health programs?
A: Be open to trying new things! You never know what impact that event or experience might make on your life. The best way to improve yourself is to continue to learn and accept growth and change as a constant. I am still working on this now!