Nethra Tummalapalli

How many years have you been an active member of HOSA? 

2 years Have you competed in HOSA? If yes, please list the event and how far you advanced (each year). I have competed in HOSA. In both my freshman and sophomore year I competed in Sports Medicine. In my freshman year, I advanced to the second round at ILC. This year, I got first place at state and advanced to ILC. I hope to win or place in the top 5 at ILC this year. 

Did you attend all HOSA meetings this past year? If no, please explain. Upon officially joining HOSA this year, I attended all the meetings that took place. List ALL activities you are involved in (School/Volunteer/Work). Be sure to include leadership roles within those activities. Please consider the time commitment of these activities before applying for a HOSA Officer position. Varsity Swimmer Varsity Debater HOSA Volunteering with Desire Society Orphanages Medical Research Internship/Assistant work 

What goals/ideas do you have for HOSA this upcoming school year? 

My main goal for the upcoming school year is to increase involvement in our HOSA chapter at Southlake. To help achieve this, I plan to promote HOSA early in the school year through flyers and by creating a dedicated Instagram account to share updates, events, and member highlights. By increasing visibility and engagement, we can build a stronger, more active community. Beyond encouraging participation in competitions, I believe a key part of HOSA is inspiring and supporting future health professionals. To do this, I want to provide more health-related opportunities for our members. This could include monthly events featuring guest speakers from the medical field, as well as volunteering opportunities at local healthcare facilities or community health events. I also believe it’s important that HOSA is taken more seriously at our school. As someone who hopes to serve as a HOSA leader next year, I am committed to being a mentor for students, helping them prepare for their events, and ensuring they feel confident and supported. We could also host mock competitions to give members a chance to practice and get comfortable before the actual events. By building a supportive environment and offering meaningful experiences, I hope to grow our chapter and make HOSA a standout program at Southlake. 

I feel that I am qualified for this position because… 

I am a highly experienced HOSA member and a dedicated leader with a strong track record in competition. Having qualified for the International Leadership Conference (ILC) in both years of my participation, I understand the level of commitment and preparation required to succeed. This experience not only reflects my personal dedication, but also equips me to mentor and guide underclassmen as they navigate their own HOSA journeys. Even during years when participation in our chapter was low, I remained committed to HOSA because I truly believe in the value it offers—both in terms of personal growth and professional development. As one of the few students from our school who has consistently qualified for ILC, I recognize the unique opportunity I have to set a positive example and raise the profile of our chapter. One of the biggest obstacles to greater involvement in HOSA at our school is the perception that it’s intimidating or difficult to succeed in. If elected President, I would work to change that mindset. I want to show students that with the right support and preparation, HOSA can be both manageable and incredibly rewarding. As a leader, I’m responsible, communicative, and effective at delegating and teaching. Watching my debate captains has taught me the value of being a strong role model—especially for underclassmen—and I plan to bring that same mentorship mindset to our HOSA chapter. Right now, our chapter needs a leader who can make HOSA exciting, accessible, and inspiring. I believe I’m the right person to lead that effort