Campus’ HOSA students are invited to the HOSA Area 3 Game Night on Friday from 5-7 p.m.

Officers are using this event to connect and get to know members across the area before competition season starts. 

“Due to the changed conference environment, there are not really any opportunities for members to meet others across our area,” HOSA sponsor Laura Stubblefield said via email. “Since Area 3 has the most competitors in the state, being able to meet new people is a huge part of the conference. The Area 3 team brainstormed how they could make sure that they provide an opportunity for members to take a deep breath and have some fun.”

Like Game Night, all regional Texas HOSA conferences have gone virtual. For Area 3 officer, senior Sarah Ahmed, the change to a virtual based platform  has provided an opportunity to broaden the chapter’s connections with medical professionals.

“My officer team and I definitely had to adapt and increase our organizational skills since we can’t communicate with our members in person,” Ahmed said via email. “We have used Remind more than ever to make sure that we have some communication without members. Even our speaker events have been through Zoom, which allows us to reach out to medical professionals anywhere in the nation. [Virtual conferences] allow students to participate from home without exposing themselves to others. Individuals that are competing in teams are able to record their presentation on Zoom while online testers have the option to take their test in the comfort of their home. This year’s Area 3 Spring Leadership Conference is spread out over the course of a month unlike the typical 2 day conference.”

This school year, Area 3 highlights medical professionals on their Instagram every other Wednesday. From ICU nurse to medical illustrator, the “A Day in the Life of A” series informs members about the numerous career options and how the pandemic has impacted their work. 

“Whether it’s sacrificing time with their families or putting their own health at risk, our healthcare workers have taken on an immense amount of responsibilities during this time,” chapter officer Sanjana Dandu said via messages. “HOSA, a medical club for students, has reflected these values in its procedures for this year. We have all witnessed the incredible show of strength from our healthcare workers, and I believe that HOSA has encouraged us all to play our role in keeping everyone safe during this pandemic. The pandemic has really highlighted the resilience of our HOSA members; seeing everyone work so hard despite harrowing times reflects the ideals that HOSA has, and always will, carry with it.”