This year, HOSA takes its first breath on campus with forty-seven members to back it up. HOSA, which stands for Health Occupations Students of America, comes to West like a pulse, sparking the interest of many students just within the first quarter, preparing future healthcare employees in their career.
“I was inspired to start HOSA this year because I’m truly interested in the medical field,” says Junior Rhea Wartak, President of HOSA, “and I wanted to have a club where I along with others could explore this interest.” She expresses her sympathy as to how, here on campus, there aren’t many clubs that are dedicated to healthcare or medicine, she saw that starting HOSA was a great way to bring together people with these similar interests. “Also, I know that lots of schools have HOSA, and I’ve seen how impactful that was due to how much they contribute to the community, so I wanted to do the same at our school.”
Sophomore Laasya Elisetty, Vice President of HOSA, shares her excitement for the club this year. “I’m looking forward to doing community service, competitive competitions, and out booth at Packfest.” She hopes that HOSA will expand largely on campus, and in the next few years have over a hundred people involved in the club. Wartak agrees, “I want HOSA to have more opportunities for members such as competitions at regional and state levels, offering shadowing opportunities, or having guest speakers to help guide them [members] on their career plan.” Advisor of HOSA, Mr. Fallquist, also relates, “I hope we have dedicated members who, you know, support each other and help each other.”
Through HOSA, members can work on not just their medical knowledge, but also their communication skills. “I think I gained public speaking skills and more knowledge on how to network with others,” says Elisetty. Wartak, too, agrees, and aspires that members can gain or, as mentioned, deepen their interest in healthcare related fields. “…I think it’s a good way to be with other students who have the same interests,” finishes Fallquist.
“HOSA is recommended for all high school students who want to go into the medical field in the future,” Elisetty says. Whether you have an interest in healthcare or not, you are encouraged to join, and members will get to be a part of a community of future healthcare professionals with similar values as them, all while competing in competitions, helping local nonprofits and hospitals, and attending events. Meetings are on Thursdays at lunch in H3, and you can follow and support their Instagram @westhigh.hosa.
