After years of
adapting to New Jersey, my life finally felt stable− I had established a position in
my high-school, and I belonged to a close-knit community of friends.
Unfortunately, I was jolted with a sudden change the moment I found out that I
had to move across the country. However,
despite the fact that I was involuntarily moved to California, both my
ambitions as well as my identity have proven to remain immovable to this day.
Upon moving, I strived towards staying true to what I knew best− I started my very own
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) chapter.
HOSA is the largest national student led healthcare organization that
prepares students for a career in medicine. My love for HOSA blossomed the
moment I was handed the responsibility of my local chapter in New Jersey after
being elected as president in tenth grade. That year I raised over a thousand
dollars and successfully led twenty students to nationals, where I placed third
in my competition. It was at nationals where I spent my last fleeting moments
surrounded by my supportive friends. HOSA is symbolic of my personal
achievements as a student, as a leader, and most importantly, as a teammate in
our chapter’s path toward careers in medicine.
As
I considered all of the ways to adapt to a foreign environment, every aspect of
my personality, my aspirations and my desire to socialize always led back to
HOSA. Since I found out that my new school of an overwhelming 2,500 students
did not have a HOSA of its own, I resolved that there was no other option than
to start a chapter of my own. By recreating the one aspect that my life that
stabilized me before the drastic change, I was able to successfully transition
to my life in California.
However, in the process of creating my
chapter, I realized that I was doing more than maintaining my goals and my individuality.
My new high school was also resonating with change as the club grew. I have
provided an outlet for Mission San Jose High School students interested in the
medical field to further explore their fascination. Now they can compete, win
awards, and distinguish themselves among the top medical scholars of the
nation, as well as getting hands on practice in medicine, all while making
lasting friendships as our new HOSA continues to grow. But most importantly, I
have discovered a way to remain immovable− even when moving is out of my control.
