Halle Delos Reyes
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.
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Published March 2023