When were you in HOSA?
I was in HOSA my junior and senior year of high school. 2012-2014.
What chapter?
During 2012-2013 I participated in HOSA with CTE Academy and really enjoyed it during that time. I participated in the Clinical Specialty Event and won 1st place, where I focused on learning a new skill which was working with orthodontistry and learning how to apply braces/brackets and wire. I also placed in 2nd place in the dental terminology event. Later on in 2013-2014 I participated in HOSA with Harrisburg High School, focusing on a medical terminology exam.
Where do you go to college?
I went to Augustana University from 2014-2018 and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. I then went on to get my Bachelor of Science in Nursing in the accelerated Nursing program from the University of Sioux Falls from 2019-2020. Finally, I just recently completed my Master of Science in Nursing with Chamberlain University this year 2023.
What advice would you give HS students in HOSA today?
HOSA is a great way to try out different avenues of health careers or different careers overall in science and health allowing you to have some perspective of what a job in that field may look like. Even if you have the slightest interest in one of their events, jump in and do it. Take advantage of the opportunities that HOSA has to offer because they are some of the most fun and rewarding experiences. You are able to get to know your peers better and yourself better while participating in HOSA and overall it makes you more well-rounded as a person. Some of these experiences helped prepare me for the medical field that I work in now and I am thankful for the exposure that HOSA provided.
How did HOSA help you get to where you are today?
HOSA helped me understand that orthodontistry maybe wasn't my strong suit but I enjoyed participating in the clinical specialty event and learned more about dentistry than what I knew prior. I really enjoyed some of the motivational speakers too that were also at the events and HOSA broadened my perspective in the different opportunities that exist in the health field. Exposure, exposure, and more exposure to different fields and careers is what truly was the biggest help of all for where I am now.
Future plans?
For now I just moved this year to San Jose, CA to be with my husband and his family and I work as a Biologics Infusion Nurse Practitioner with IVX Health. We treat patients with a wide variety of chronic medical conditions ranging from Crohns to Ulcerative Colitis to Multiple Sclerosis by infusing different biologic medications. I am so happy with my niche in the medical community and happy with my life in San Jose. It's very fast paced and there are so many new advances in the medical field but I am so grateful to be where I am today. Since I've been in college for the last 8 years, I'm going to take a break from going back to school at the moment, but as a Nurse Practitioner I am always learning and educating myself on the latest technology and medications so that our patients have the best care available. I may consider a Doctoral Nursing Degree in my future but as of right now, I'm happy enjoying my life with my husband and our two Dogs, Wilson and Luna.
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