When the bell rings at the end of the day, most students head home, but for HOSA members, it’s just the beginning of their journey to becoming medical professionals.
From fundraisers, creating clean birth kits, and regional competitions, HOSA offers endless opportunities for students interested in a career in medicine.
One of the women behind all of HOSA’s events is science teacher Mrs. Danton, who has been a HOSA sponsor for 12 years.
Though Mrs. Danton was not a part of a similar organization to HOSA or a health science club in high school, once Mrs.Zanotti asked
Danton for help as the club grew in popularity she was ecstatic to join and has been a HOSA sponsor ever since.
“I get to meet other students that we get to work with on a different level, a more competitive level,” Danton stated. “We get to do the regional competition with them and see them be successful in ways outside of the classroom.”
Being a member of HOSA helps push students to greatness and a different level of achievement within the health sciences in and outside of school.
“It allows the students that are interested in a career in the health sciences to explore different areas that are offered, to get to network with other students that are interested in the same thing,” said Danton. “They get to meet different health professionals in the field of healthcare that they can form mentoring connections with.”
The leadership possibilities in HOSA are endless and unbelievably exciting. Students in the past have run and won to be on the state HOSA executive board.
“They’ve gotten to serve with students from all around the state,” Danton said.
HOSA offers leadership and career related experiences that go beyond what is typically available in standard high school science class. Based on HOSA’s program descriptions, students can participate in events that develop confidence, public speaking, and networking skills.
Mrs. Danton has watched a student entering HOSA in their freshmen year and continue for the rest of their high school career transform from a shy, timid freshman into a confident HOSA executive board leader.
“Being in that involvement just gave them the confidence boost that I think they needed to really grow, and just gave them the confidence to really step into who they were,” said Danton.
Daniella Aldabbagh is a junior and the fundraising coordinator for the HOSA board. Her job is to plan and manage fundraising events, track proceeds, as well as work with her other HOSA board members to support their financial goals. Aldabbagh dreams to pursue a career in Anesthesiology although she is unsure if she wants to become a doctor or nurse.
Aldabbagh was introduced to HOSA by a friend and although she was always interested in the medical field she was open to exploring different career choices.
Aldabbagh said her interest in the healthcare field has only grown since she has joined HOSA.
“I was able to explore different fields and learn more about them as well, not just the basics and also learn how to enter that field,” said Aldabbagh.
Aldabbagh believes that time management has been her biggest struggle since joining HOSA due to this being an after school activity.
“To overcome it, I’ve just tried to spend at least an hour or two a week just to practice,” said Aldabbagh, “Even if I don’t get that hour this week, maybe next week I’ll add more time to it.”
HOSA provides resources, leadership roles, and networking opportunities designed to help students explore careers in healthcare. Many members use these experiences to prepare for future studies or professions in the medical field.
