Internship, campus experiences propel Groski into healthcare career, graduate studies

Leia Groski, photographed inside the J.W. Jones Student Union, graduates from Northwest this spring with her bachelor’s degree in applied health science with a sports medicine emphasis. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)

What began as an internship became a career launchpad for Leia Groski, whose time at Northwest Missouri State University shaped not only her first job in healthcare but her decision to further her education as a graduate student.

Groski, a native of Papillion, Nebraska, will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s degree in applied health science with a sports medicine emphasis. During her junior year, she completed an internship at the Clarinda Regional Health Center — a position that soon opened the door to a permanent position.

“My experience there provided valuable exposure to the healthcare environment and allowed me to work with a wide range of patients, from 11 to 91 years old,” Groski said. “Being a full-time student while working in a professional healthcare setting has sharpened my time management skills. I’ve also developed important professional skills, including teamwork, professionalism and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced setting.”

Encouraged by her experiences, Groski is continuing her education at Northwest and pursuing a master’s degree in therapeutic recreation.

Groski credits the supportive environment at Northwest with shaping her academic journey. She developed close connections with Northwest health and physical education faculty, including her advisor, Dr. Rhonda Beemer, and Dr. Kyle Ryan.

Profession-based experiences and activities at Northwest have helped Leia Groski build skills and connections that will benefit her as she embarks on a career in healthcare. (Photo by Lilly Cook | Northwest Missouri State University)

“Many of my courses within my major have been especially impactful,” Groski said. “Because of the small class sizes at Northwest, I was able to build strong relationships with my professors. I often took advantage of office hours, not only to receive help with coursework but also to build those connections with faculty members.”

Those connections, along with hands-on learning, allowed Groski to directly apply her knowledge to professional healthcare.

“It was reassuring to see that the coursework I was completing in college was truly relevant to the work I was doing in a professional healthcare setting,” Groski said. “Being able to apply what I was learning in class helped me gain confidence in my abilities and prepare for my future.”

Groski joined Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority and was active as its vice president of recruitment and overall Homecoming chair. (Photo by Chloe Timmons/Northwest Missouri State University)

Beyond the classroom, Groski immersed herself in campus life, finding leadership opportunities that allowed her to grow her skills. As a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority, she served as vice president of recruitment and overall Homecoming chair. Those roles led her to connections and enhanced leadership skills that will last a lifetime.

“Some of my most memorable experiences at Northwest have come from my involvement on campus, especially through my sorority and leadership roles,” Groski said. “Being in a sorority has given me the opportunity to meet so many new people and build meaningful relationships, while also helping me grow as a leader through my positions.”

Service also played a central role in Groski’s college experience. As executive director of St. Jude Bearcats, she helped organize events, like Colden Pond Plunge and Cut Loose, that brought the Northwest community together in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

“Seeing our campus come together to support children battling cancer is something I will never forget,” Groski said. “These experiences have shaped who I am today, and they will be very hard to leave behind.”

Now, after wearing many hats during her time at Northwest, Groski is ready to enter the workforce with a strong foundation and clear sense of purpose.

“I came to Northwest knowing no one,” Groski said. “I am leaving four years later with lifelong relationships and a strong sense of confidence in both my personal and professional life. I’m not the same person I was four years ago, and that growth is because of the experiences I’ve had at Northwest. Overall, Northwest has prepared me to step into my career with the skills, confidence and support system needed to be successful.”