In the last couple of decades, the healthcare field has become widely popular with the latest generations. It is unclear why, but with many job openings due to the baby boomers’ retirement, it has been a blessing in disguise. As it has continued to rise, many people don’t have a strong support system or anyone they can talk to about this subject. Luckily, that has changed at the high school due to the introduction of the new HOSA club.
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) is a student-led organization that aims to help future healthcare professionals develop leadership skills, professionalism, and teamwork. Every year, there are competitions that they are able to compete in on a state level, with categories including Health Science, Health Professionals, Emergency Preparedness, Leadership, Teamwork, and Recognition. Some of these submissions could take the form of an essay, a speech, or hands-on work.
With the new club starting up, many may wonder how it got to the high school. Taryn Oelmann, sophomore, has always found herself interested in the medical field, but as she has grown up, she has been looking for support from more students who also have a calling to something similar to hers. “I wanted to start HOSA because I felt like our school needed more opportunities for students interested in healthcare. I’ve always been drawn to medicine, and the thought that others feel the same way really encouraged me to bring it to Marion,” said Oelmann. This has become a big positive with the number of students who have shown interest in the group. Currently, around 15 students are members of the club, and hopes are for an increase as the year goes on and the word gets out. Even though HOSA is a new club, there have been some plans on what they are going to do in the future to help get more experience for the student body and also the members. Mr. Morley is the TAG teacher, AP coordinator, and advisor for HOSA. He said, “There was a need for someone to help get this started, and I was available and willing to help. I think it is an important group and can help with needs across our country.”
As the group becomes more involved and more students hear about it, there has been some planning about what they are actually going to do. Besides the conferences and competitions, there is a lot that can be done to educate the student body better. “Members will help to plan and take part in fundraisers, activities, and volunteer opportunities,” said Oelmann. Throughout the rest of the school year, the club is planning on hosting a Soak a Senior (a popular high school fundraiser where students or faculty can pay money for a chance to douse a senior with water), volunteering at the hospital, and hopefully going on some field trips around the community to learn more about different fields and healthcare jobs they could go into. Overall, there is a lot of speculation about how the group will go, but there is a lot of hope in the interest in the club’s future.
