By Aliza Snow, Staff Writer
Every year, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) students from around the United States gather for regional, state and national competitions to test their knowledge about health sciences and occupations. The student organization helps promote opportunities for careers in health care while encouraging students to find out more about the subjects that interest them.
“HOSA is an organization where we try to learn as much as we can about the medical field that we want to go into or just get involved with school activities,” co-president, senior Abby Hite said.
The First Flight chapter of the HOSA organization has between 20 and 30 members, however, only a few choose to participate in the competitions.
“I competed last year in sports medicine and I got first place in regionals, then I went to states and placed in the top 20,” co-president, senior Jessica Dugita said.
This year, the regional test took place on October 30, with seven First Flight members taking part. The tests are 100 questions and ask about various parts of each person’s chosen topic.
“We all picked our own category, there are hundreds you can choose from, then there are regionals and if you place in there, you go to states which is in Charlotte,” Dugita said.
The members who don’t partake in the competition are kept busy running the school’s blood drives alongside American Red Cross.
“A lot of people just do the blood drives, then once they’ve done that for a year or two, they usually do the competitions if they want to,” secretary and treasurer, senior Judy Williams said.
The blood drives are a great way for HOSA students to begin engaging in something similar to the career they may want to pursue. Being a part of the organization and taking part in the events gives these students a headstart on getting a job they may want in the medical field.
When it comes to the student’s roles in the organization, Hite has learned what it takes to hold responsibility and help others when it comes to leadership.
“I get to help the new members and existing members pick what topic they want to do for the competition and explain to them what it’s like and why they should do it,” Hite said.
She also directs newcomers on what to do during the blood drives and motivates them to be a part of it.
HOSA is an amazing way for aspiring health care professionals to get one foot in the door for their future medical careers.
“I think it’s a really awesome way to get into the medical field if you want a career in that,” Williams said. “It’s helped me a lot with experience and I’ve learned a lot about the medical field.”
Junior Aliza Snow can be reached at 21snowal92@daretolearn.org.
