Kiana Chavez, originally from Nampa, Idaho, chose to attend Boise State and the School of Public and Population Health for its tight-knit community and the opportunity to learn how to help others with their health.
Chavez will graduate with her Bachelor of Health Studies with an emphasis in Health Care Science and a minor in Psychology this spring. Read on to learn more about Chavez and the experiences that made an impact on her time at Boise State.
Q: What originally brought you to Boise State and the School of Public and Population Health?
A: Boise State was one of the schools that I felt had an amazing community. It was a college that I grew up near and knew I could feel at home while attending this college.
As for the School of Public and Population Health, I really enjoy being a part of a community made to help others and when I learned about public health, I knew it was the perfect place for me.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your studies?
A: I have really enjoyed meeting all the different professors at BSU. I think they are all very unique and love how the ones I’ve had try hard to ensure us as students are gaining our full potential, while also remembering we are human.
Q: What extracurricular activities have you been involved in that made an impact on your undergraduate experience?
A: My favorite extracurricular that I have been a part of is the Undergraduate Research Showcase. This was a really unique and special experience that allowed me to make connections among my peers and faculty. It also allowed me to be motivated and dedicated to a topic and really become more of an expert in an area that is important to me.
Q: How has your time in your program broadened your outlook on health?
A: My time in this program has done many things to broaden my outlook on health. Within the variety of classes I’ve taken at my time at BSU, I have covered so many different aspects within healthcare, and my outlook has since changed to think about all levels of healthcare, rather than just patient focused care.
I have also gained a broader understanding on public health and the impact of determinants of health, the ethical and legal aspects that are involved, the mental aspect to care, therapies, health literacy, and more.
Q: What are you most looking forward to post-graduation?
A: I am going to move on to graduate school to gain my degree in clinical psychology. I am most looking forward to being a part of the healthcare community and working toward helping and healing others.