When Samantha Reyes came to Boise State, she was set on becoming a nurse. However, with a talent for working with data a continued passion for working in health, Reyes joined the School of Public and Population Health as a Health Studies student with an emphasis in Health Informatics and Information Management.
Reyes graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies this winter. Read on to learn more about Reyes’ love for her sorority sisters, philanthropy and health studies.
A: I came to visit my Senior year of high school and fell in love with everything Boise had to offer. Growing up, I always wanted to be in the Health field, which initially drew me to Boise State’s excellent Nursing program. However, I flourished in data whilst also enjoying health, so health informatics was the perfect path for me.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your studies?Â
A: In every class at Boise State there has always been a wonderful atmosphere in the classroom and I’ve made so many friends that way. Whenever I have a question or need help, there was always a friend there to ask which I appreciated.
Q: What made the biggest impact on your experience at Boise State?
A: The biggest impact on my experience at Boise State was getting to be part of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega. Our philanthropy is the Women’s and Children’s Alliance. I would volunteer at the shelter as well as donate to the shelter with hygiene products, food or clothes.
The women in the sorority also made a huge impact on my life. Before coming to school my best friend Emma passed away on her way to Boise State. During such a sad time in my life, I had other women surrounding me with love and support that helped me to get through the heartbreak I was feeling.
Q: How has your time in your program broadened your outlook on health?
A: My time in my program has broadened my outlook on health exponentially. I was so set on being a Nurse and I never took the time to look into anything else until an adviser pointed me in other directions. My program has shown me there’s so much more to health behind the scenes involving data, charting, patient care and more.
Q: What are you most looking forward to post-graduation?Â
A: I am looking forward to traveling. I’ve always told myself after graduation is a time for me to travel and explore everything the world has to offer. Although I have loved my time at Boise State, there is much more for me to see. I’m hoping to go to Australia first as that’s always been a place I love.