Halle Delos Reyes
Diagnostic Sonography Student Named National Emerging Leader
When finding your chosen career, not everyone’s path is straightforward. You can try many different careers but the influence of loved ones can truly guide you to where you belong. For Halle Delos Reyes, her husband helped her discover diagnostic medical sonography and in her second year at Owens Community College, she has now been accepted to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) Foundation Emerging Leaders program.
The 2011 Bedford High School graduate went to college and then decided to travel and see the world. She then graduated with a degree in Marine Biology from University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She tried many different careers but was unable to find one that kept her focus and challenged as much as she wanted.
As a middle school science teacher, Delos Reyes taught anatomy and physiology, which centers on the body and healthcare as a whole. “I found myself incredibly interested in the field and wanted to learn more,” she said. That’s when she learned about sonography from her husband, Chadwin, who is now a respiratory therapist. He spent time researching different allied healthcare careers and found sonography was a top job, which piqued his interest and then hers. “I loved the idea of lifelong growth and how each patient is unique and offers their own set of learning opportunities,” she added.
Five years after graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Delos Reyes enrolled at Owens in the diagnostic medical sonography program. “Owens long-standing sonography program is trusted in the community and has a high rate of job placements and success with students and new graduates,” she said. “The program sets students up for success and gives them the most valuable experience possible. Instructors are passionate about helping me and my classmates succeed and truly want the best for our future careers.”
In the Emerging Leader Program, participants will take part in leadership opportunities designed to engage in meaningful dialogue and projects related to their future careers and leadership volunteerism. “I am one of 10 students chosen from around the country to be mentored as a future leader of the field. I’m currently in my third month of the program and it has been so beneficial to learn from the president, board members and other leaders of the SDMS and SDMS Foundation,” said Delos Reyes.
Each year, only one student or recent graduate from each sonography program can be entered. In her nomination form, Julie Posey, Chair of Owens General and Vascular Sonography, wrote, “Halle is a self-starter and gives 110 percent to every assignment, patient or task she is involved with.” She continued writing Delos Reyes is actively involved in organizing fundraising events and volunteer opportunities for her class. “I see big things for her in the future,” wrote Posey.
Delos Reyes will graduate in May 2023.
Janell Lang Recipient, Outstanding Graduate Recognized by the Board of Trustees
It’s a big accomplishment to receive your degree from college. The walk across the stage at graduation is a huge milestone and signifies the next step in your life. It takes years of hard work and dedication while and Owens might not only leave its mark on you, you might leave your mark on it.
Halle Delos Reyes is leaving her lasting impression on Owens with being named not only the diagnostic medical sonography outstanding graduate, but also the Janell Lang award recipient. She was also recognized by the Board of Trustees for her student leadership for being chosen for a prestigious national leadership program.
Earlier this year, Delos Reyes was named to the national emerging leader program by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Foundation. There are only 10 students named to the program each year. Posey wrote a recommendation for Delos Reyes to be recognized by the Board. “It is an honor to have Halle representing Owens Community College and bring her leadership qualifications back to the college, the sonography program and her peers.”
After her recognition, Delos Reyes learned of her outstanding graduate awards. Makenzie Zesing, clinical education coordinator, wrote of Delos Reyes; “Halle is not only an inspiration to her classmates, but to myself as well. I am proud to see her entering the health profession and I know she will continue being a noteworthy contributor to our society.”
Learn More About Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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Published March 2023