E- Magazine: Powered by Post-Secondary Members
E- Magazine: Powered by Post-Secondary Members
By: Gianna White
One thing every HOSA member will say at least once in their lifetime is, “I miss HOSA.” Whether you’re recovering from post-conference blues or preparing to take your State Officer exam, there are moments when the HOSA family is all you need. From conversations with Post-Secondary members, it’s clear this feeling constantly endures. As the pressures of medical school and life increase, HOSA’s impact and experiences continue to guide them through each challenge.
Matthew May, a freshman at Augusta University, was heavily involved in HOSA during high school, serving as a chapter officer and consistently seeking new ways to innovate within his chapter. As life presented new challenges, he found the skills he developed through HOSA invaluable.
He shares, “In my time in Georgia HOSA, I've had the great opportunity to attend the different conferences and also have experience as a HOSA officer. These experiences helped me with my transition to the workplace, what I should expect in ways of interacting with fellow workers, customer service skills, and how to problem solve.”
Matthew’s journey underscores the importance of embracing every HOSA experience. Each conference builds our skill set which makes us more capable professionals, actively preparing us for a diligent healthcare workforce. Like Matthew, recognize these moments as the foundation of a better future for yourself and those who rely on your skills.
Matthew further notes, “While some may say that problem solving is an easy skill, one can’t say that coming up with a solution as a team is.”
Problem-solving as a team is a key skill in healthcare that every person should develop throughout their life. Every health professional, regardless of role, needs the ability to foster teamwork and cohesion among colleagues. HOSA teaches us how to coordinate and communicate effectively in a team, skills essential to the health field. No matter where your career takes you, keep this skill close – it’s a trait that will lead you forward through every shift in life and work.
Nathaniel Goodwin, a freshman at Morehouse College, also shares how HOSA has shaped his journey as a post-secondary member.
“HOSA means everything to me because it shaped my passion for healthcare and leadership,” he says. “It has allowed me to relate to others who have strived to engage in activities that make a difference in health. The different competitions and projects that allow collaboration have helped me develop these key competencies: teamwork, communication, and critical thinking which build confidence and light the fire for determination toward a medical career. HOSA has not only expanded my knowledge of healthcare; it has advanced my sense of responsibility to serve my community.”
It’s powerful when you can recognize what has driven you to reach the position you’re in. The impact of HOSA is boundless and isn’t limited to these two individuals. It exemplifies what it means to be a post-secondary member – individuals who once lacked key skills but now confidently contribute to the profession they once only dreamed of entering.
As future health professionals, we face a journey that seems endless. While we often focus on visible goals and what lies ahead of us, we must also reveal the unseen qualities we’re building. HOSA is only the beginning; each competition, medal, and conference holds lasting value. These experiences set the stage for future success in ways that may only become evident with time. So, don’t hesitate – invest in your future self, carry HOSA’s lessons forward, and allow them to shape the path ahead.