HOSA International Leadership Conference

Back in June, an ORCA student and staff member attended the International Leadership Conference for HOSA (Heath Occupations Students of America) in Nashville, Tennessee. 

From the 18th to the 21st, Brooklynn A., a HOSA standout student participated and represented her school and the state of Oregon. 

With over 14,000 attendees including 12,900 competitors across 96 events, the conference represented a massive collection of students, offering many networking opportunities, and the privilege of engaging with students outside of the state.

Brooklynn earned her spot at the International Leadership Conference at the Oregon State Leadership Conference in April where she placed 3rd in Medical Assisting by excelling in both an online and hands-on skill test. 

“Attending the International Leadership Conference gave me as a HOSA student the ability to see beyond my own small circle,” Brooklyn starts. “They had different schools and organizations there, and I got to see a realistic simulation of an emergency room procedure, practice new skills like packing a wound and intubation, and use a simulated ultrasound machine.”

She also enjoyed meeting new people from other countries who shared similar interests. “HOSA being international also widens the scope of the people involved, furthering innovations to their organization to expand opportunities.” The international level enabled her to engage with other nations and cultures in a way she wouldn’t have been able to at the state or national level.

At the International level, she did not advance to round 2, but learned a great deal from the experience. She participated in a chapter leadership workshop, attended keynote speeches, and visited hundreds of exhibitions, further immersing herself in HOSA culture. One of the coolest opportunities was trading state pins with other attendees from diverse areas of the United States and beyond.

Outside of the competition, Brooklynn took the chance to explore Nashville’s country music history and the tourist attractions of Tennessee. She visited the Johnny Cash Museum, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Tennessee State Capitol, and Nashville’s true-sized replica of the Parthenon. 

In addition to the classic Nashville experience, both Brooklyn and Ms. Lee took an educational detour to Vanderbilt University and visited a bench where Taylor Swift used to read in Centennial Park.

“Brooklynn took advantage of every opportunity to learn, interact, and connect with others. I am so proud of how she represented herself and ORCA,” said Amy Lee, HOSA Advisor. “She is coming back with new leadership skills and lots of ideas on how to make our chapter more interactive and successful.”

Students that are interested in applying to be a part of the HOSA program and these events in the future should contact Ms. Lee through the Canvas Inbox by selecting her as a teacher under Principal’s Corner and by staying tuned for sign-up options in school-wide announcements.

“Competing at and attending the HOSA International Leadership Conference gave me so much more confidence and motivation for my future role in healthcare,” Brooklyn finishes. “It has motivated me to follow my passion for healthcare because I have had the privilege of seeing how far determination can take me already.” 

The HOSA International Leadership Conference represents one of many opportunities ORCA offers to engaged and dedicated students whether the focus is like their trip to Nashville for healthcare or based upon other ASCEND pathways such as Computer Science, Business & Management, Veterinary Science, or Hospitality & Tourism.

To learn more about HOSA, check out this article.