Embracing the Change: A Journey of Transformation with Health Promotion

Whether it’s planning a vacation to the detail or obtaining her Health Promotion degree from Weber State University, Heidi Blaylock, a planner by nature, mapped out her post-graduation path. However, life had other plans, leading her towards growth and transformation.

It all began when Dr. Eddie Hill saw potential in Blaylock after she volunteered at the inaugural Recreate, Educate, Advocate, and Climb Higher (REACH) Weber family day camp in April 2023. “I've been mentoring undergraduate scholars for almost two decades, it's a passion of mine as I enjoy seeing students create new knowledge!” Hill said. Dr. Hill provided the opportunity to serve as an Undergraduate Research Assistant for the summer semester. “This experience took me out of my comfort zone. Because of it, I grew and transformed exponentially” Blaylock said.

With that role, Blaylock immersed herself in three High Impact Educational Experiences (HIEEs), refining her health promotion skills along the way. The journey was challenging and full of obstacles, but with each one came immense personal and professional growth, “The experience increased my confidence and self-esteem as well as improved my public speaking skills” she said. Those new skills prepared her for the opportunity to present her findings at the American Camp Association in New Orleans and later at the Utah Conference of Undergraduate Research and the Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters. 

Moments like those were defining for her journey. “Heidi joined our team with no undergraduate research experience, and now has published two referred abstracts, has a full article under review in a high-impact journal, and presented her research at a national forum. What's impressive is Heidi did all of this in less than a year, while working full-time in her field of study, health promotion” Hill said.

Beyond academic achievements, this journey has been a life lesson, “I have learned to be a better team member and to be more flexible in situations. I enjoy working with faculty, staff, and students at WSU, community members, youth with type 1 diabetes, and their families” she said.  Working alongside youth with type 1 diabetes and their families through REACH Weber has been a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of empathy.

Approaching graduation in December 2024 with a major in Health Promotion, Blaylock reflects on her journey with her renewed sense of purpose and confidence. “Though there have been many struggles and I have felt like quitting at times, my experience at WSU in Health Promotion has been truly amazing!” she said. Blaylock is eager to carry the lessons learned and the growth attained into the next chapter of her journey.

For those interested in learning more about the health promotion program:

Visit https://www.weber.edu/hper/healthpromotion.html or contact Brittni Strickland, brittnistrickland@weber.edu to learn more.