your best comes out of the blue

Nick, a first-generation student from Idaho, wanted career options. He knew college and new experiences would be key in designing his future. Five internships and multiple student leadership positions later, Nick’s involvement in student clubs and activities have leveraged his career path in accounting and finance to open doors for his success beyond Boise State: “You’ll find your passion by getting involved. Take advantage of opportunities, in and out of the classroom. That’s how I found my way.”

Catherine knows there’s more than one way to a college education. She’s from a family with a long tradition of military service and became a Bronco after 20 years in the military. Catherine is now working on her master’s degree in biology where she is combining her fascination with science, animals and the outdoors with big ambitions for the next phase of her career. “It’s OK to have a plan that takes you someplace else for a while. The only plan that matters is doing what you are interested in right now, especially if that means going back to school when you are 40.”

While Marc’s first attempt at a college education didn’t go as planned, he tried again after serving 11 years as an Air Force medic. At Boise State, he was able to apply his unrelenting spirit to hit his stride and excel as a nursing student. Now as a graduate, he cares for his fellow veterans at the VA hospital and hopes to inspire other non-traditional students. “It’s important to always be looking toward the next step. Even someone who has a rough start or goes a different route - know you can always come back and land on top.”

Raised in Idaho, Cheyon always knew she wanted to go to college but like many new students, didn’t know what navigating a university might look like. Arriving at Boise State, she let her curiosity run wild, asked questions and discovered a supportive community of fellow Broncos. She never looked back. As a student body president, Truman Scholar and civil engineering major, Cheyon has dedicated herself to improving communities and experiences for all. “I’ve been blessed to be a part of a community where ambitions can thrive. I want to be a part of leading that for others.”

What factors help young people lead happy and healthy lives? Dr. Lindsey Turner has studied the social environments of children and youth for nearly 30 years as an applied behavioral scientist. Her findings travel far and wide — as good ideas do — from Boise State’s campus to rural areas across Idaho and beyond, inspiring partnerships that strengthen communities.