Sophia Van Buskirk

When were you in HOSA?

I was in HOSA all four years of high school, 2015-2019.

What chapter?

I was in the Harrisburg High School chapter in Harrisburg, South Dakota.

Where do you go to college?

I am in my senior year at University of South Dakota! (which recently added a HOSA chapter)

What is your major?

My major is Bachelors of Science in Nursing.

What advice would you give HS students in HOSA today?

Some advice I would give to students in HOSA would be to do all of the events for state that actually interest you, even if it isn't related to your major! HOSA has way more to offer than students can realize sometimes, and you can have a lot of fun with some of the event options. I was nervous to branch out from the group competitions and do my "own thing", but that choice is exactly what got me to the ILC in 2018.

How did HOSA help you get to where you are today?

HOSA showed me what I was and wasn't interested in for college. I feel like being involved in HOSA gave me a head start in developing my organizational and leadership skills. I also think HOSA gave me a lot of opportunity to explore my "creative" science side, and I encourage any people who are considering joining to try it out!

Future plans?

I graduate this May with my nursing degree, so I am planning to take my career out of state for a while and work in Colorado at *hopefully* one of the medical centers in the emergency department!