By Kayla Villaruz – Staff Writer
The State Leadership Conference (SLC) is an opportunity for HOSA members to learn from and share with fellow HOSA members from across the state. In the conference, students interacted with HOSA members who share dreams of changing the world. The conference brings together future health professionals from across California to experience HOSA at its absolute best. Students from different schools stood up proudly to cheer and represent their school’s hard work at the state meetings, as well as experience informative and leadership-oriented workshops.
Academy of Medical Arts senior Christine Samala said,”You can qualify [for SLC] by earning 30 hours [of community service] in the club. Your [mandatory] project has to be graded on a scale and you have to [earn] at least a B with your group members.”
This year’s competition took place in Sacramento and started in the end of March and beginning of April. SLC is not only for the competition but it provides a variety of social learning activities at a state level for the HOSA members and allows them to participate in the recognition of leadership and skill development through competitive learning activities. In the National Competitive Events Program, it provided members with numerous opportunities for recognition of achievement in individual or group competition.
AMA junior, Charity Lameta said, “Throughout the year, before the students compete, they would have to work on their projects with the topics of their choice. Once we have the requirements needed, the students are able to audition, and the teachers who judge the HOSA students decided whether or not we would be able to go.”
SLC is not just for the competitor; alumni and industry partners are more than welcome to be involved in various areas of California’s State Leadership Conference. There is plenty to keep every student busy including educational symposiums, College and Career Fair, Courtesy Corps, and HOSA Village. HOSA members are provided the opportunity to share common experiences in leadership development, community service and an understanding of their health science education programs. Many may see it as just a competition, but it’s also an opportunity to meet fellow alumnis and members from HOSA across California.