Florida HOSA Leadership Development Conference

Florida HOSA's Leadership Development Conference took place November 18-20, 2011 in beautiful High Springs, FL at Camp Kulaqua. "HOSA: Guiding you Through the Wild" was a great explanation of the weekend full of workshops, fundraisers, networking, laughs, and memories. There were eight workshops that were organized and implemented by the Florida HOSA State Officer Team, Keynote Speaker Dan Greer, and National Postsecondary/Collegiate Vice President Sara Sapp. The workshop topics included Communication, Time Management, Suit Up, Parliamentary Procedure, Teamwork, Public Speaking, and Professionalism. Below is a timeline of all the events that took place over the weekend...

Friday November 18, 2011

This year's theme was Call of the Wild, each state officer represented a different tribe

Florida's State Officers Dunk Tank Fundraiser for the Florida HOSA Foundation Scholarship

                                       

    President Gregory Cotes and Parliamentarian Ashley Ivy in the Teamwork Workshop

                     

Friday Night's General Session

State Officers performing the Lion Sleeps tonight at the General Session

Saturday November 19, 2011

Regional Officer Workshop on Saturday afternoon focused on skills needed to run an efficient Winter Leadership Conference

Even lunch had entertainment! This was taken right before a flashmob in the cafeteria!

Trying to stay warm at the Campfire! Fresh s'mores definitely helped!

  

Florida HOSA loves to dance!

FL HOSA State Officers after the Pie in the Face Fundraiser for the Florida HOSA Foundation Scholarship Saturday night at the campfire 

Sunday November 20, 2011

Graduates from the Suit Up Workshop signed this larger than life "diploma"

Tribes performed original skits Sunday morning at the General Session

One last group shot before Region IX's long bus ride home

From navigating the woods, workshops to enhance leadership skills, sidesplitting skits performed by the State Officers and Tribes, eating warm freshly made s'mores, and dancing by the campfire Florida HOSA Leadership Development Conference was a "wild" success. With over 250 members, advisors, and special guests in attendance the lessons learned and friendships made over the weekend will resonate all over the HOSA Nation!

HOSA NEC Members at the ACTE Conference in St. Louis

Members of the HOSA National Executive Council recently had the opportunity to attend the annual Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) conference in St. Louis, Missouri. This was a thrill for all, as it was both a chance to learn more about the intricacies of education and an opportunity to interact with HOSA advisors, as well as officers with other organizations! The three days spent illustrated even more the need for Future Health Professionals in the career tech system. ACTE is an incredible organization the with which HOSA is glad to be associated. Read on to discover three days of excitement!

As the team arrived to St. Louis on Wednesday, the officer team had much in store as we began to set up the HOSA booth. While David and Warche went off to give greetings from National HOSA at regional meetings, Ms. Sheila Carlton, Nabil, and Tayla began to set up the HOSA trade show booth. We wanted to be creative so we spelled out “HOSA” with our hand sanitizer bottles and placed the flyers in a artistic way! As we were setting up the banners, it was definitely a trial! We had trouble setting the banners onto the hooks and keeping them straight, however, after much struggle, we succeeded! We were able to get a monitor so as the day went on, we were able to play the 2011-2012 HOSA promo video, an incredible HOSA publication! (HOSA Promo) On one end of the table, we placed a blood pressure cuff, a unique facet of our display that allowed us to better interact with attendees. Our first day was full of setup, but it would all be worth it for the next day!

Opening session at the ACTE conference was very enlightening.  The opening session revealed even more why Career-Technical Education is absolutely critical in developing strong, multifaceted, competent leaders while empowering students to excel in their future.  The keynote speaker was Sir Ken Robinson, who is an internationally recognized leader in the development of education, creativity, and innovation. The opening session really allowed the officer team to appreciate educators even more, because educators give so much to what they do as an effort to impact future generations. The team maintained the National HOSA booth throughout the morning. We met many advisors, teachers, counselors, and administrators,many of whom were excited to hear about HOSA for the first time! The team had the honor of meeting Maj. Kristen M. Hensley, U.S. Army Nurse Corps Executive Officer, and attendee at last year’s NLC! Some HOSA advisors were ecstatic to hear about our 28^th consecutive year of growth, opportunities provided through HOSA, and so much more.  The ambience that was set at the booth translated to meeting rooms as HOSA was formally recognized at the Health Sciences meeting. Dr. and Mrs. Koeninger, Executive and Associate Directors of HOSA, received an award for their tireless dedication to the future of healthcare! The day was filled with surprises and inspiring stories, all leading up to the health sciences luncheon!

Members of the NEC with Maj. Kristen M. Hensley

The officer team’s final day in Missouri proved to be even more incredible as more dedicated HOSA alumni, advisors, and supporters poured through the doors of the convention center. The HOSA booth was once again in full swing, showcasing the 34th annual National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California and looking forward to the 35th in Orlando, Florida! The highlight of the day, though, came when the team hosted the health sciences divisional luncheon. Health sciences instructors attended to socialize, learn, and celebrate the success of health science education. David welcomed the instructors, Nabil introduced special guests, Warche delivered an official National HOSA update, and Tayla introduced the day’s keynote speaker, Bill Cordes. Cordes lectured on the ability of students to persevere through opposition, keeping the tone light and fun throughout the presentation. The luncheon ended with a health sciences silent raffle, an event which thrilled all in attendance! The final day in St. Louis was certainly one not to be missed.

National Association of Parliamentarians Biennial Convention 2011

The National Association of Parliamentarians (NAP) is a dynamic, growing organization concerned with the practical problems parliamentarians face today. They partner with several student organizations to develop and enhance educational programs, and HOSA is one of those lucky organizations.

Opening General Session 

The NAP Biennial Convention took place from September 22 to September 26 in Saint Petersburg, FL. At the convention major business was in order for the biennium: the gathering of over four hundred NAP members, bylaw revisions, and the much anticipated release of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11^th Edition.

Henry Robert III summarizing the major changes in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th Edition

Sara Sapp, National Postsecondary/Collegiate Vice President, represented HOSA as an intern at the convention. There were six interns in attendance from FBLA, PBL, FCCLA, BPA, NAP Education Foundation, and HOSA. They served at the NAP as pages during general body meetings. Being a page entails serving the approximately four hundred person delegation by collecting motion forms, sending messages, and answering questions during business meetings.

Sara Sapp, National Postsecondary/Collegiate Vice President and Mrs. Jane Shovlin, Arizona HOSA State Advisor at the Hilton St. Petersburg.

Throughout the conference the interns learned ample amounts about parliamentary procedure and leadership through keynote speakers, workshops, and the exciting release of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11^th Edition.

NAP 2011 Interns

At the Youth Committee Luncheon the Bell High School HOSA Parliamentary Procedure Team performed a meeting in front of the NAP Education Foundation and the authors of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11^th Edition. As a reward for their hard work and proficiency in Parliamentary Procedure each member of the team received a signed copy of the book from the authors.

Bell High School HOSA Parliamentary Procedure Team

HOSA celebrates it's 5th annual Washington Leadership Academy!

Here we are, ready to IMPACT our Future!

From all across the country came the future of our generation - HOSA members: Future Health Professionals. In the heart of our nation’s capital, the State Officers came ready to “Impact!” It fits perfectly because that is just what the theme was. Impact your leadership, impact your team, impact your state, impact America, and impact your audience. These leaders showed us in the span of four days that their ambitions, enthusiasm, passion, and talent was of inmeasurable force. 

The National Officers were so proud to be part of the conference and of this positive aura, but even more grateful to everyone who attended and took them under their wing and inspired them:

"...I got the chance to meet our nation's brightest leaders! I have gained an even bigger passion for HOSA which I thought would be impossible" - Juan Valenzuela, California HOSA


"I had a blast meeting all of you and getting to spend time with such an amazing group of people! I've never been around so many people that have so much passion for what they're doing..." - Taurice Bussey, South Carolina HOSA

Day 1: 9/17/11
Strapped with backpacks, HOSA embroided jackets and heaving luggage, the members took all means of travel to the Hilton McLean on Tyson’s corner. As they entered what would be their home in the next four days; they witnessed the modern beauty of the revamped Hilton. Everyone tapered in and received greetings from the National Officers as they checked in, received their Certificate of Completion for the Academy, light blue WLA shirts, badges and sanitizers. At 3:00p.m. that day, the adventures would begin.

The doors opened, and pressed in their HOSA suits, the members entered the room. After Sean gave his opening remarks about the impact of WLA, David, Nathalie, and Brittany helped recognize conference attendees, including Chair of the HOSA Inc Board of the Directors, Tonia Moore Davis, Chair Elect Lowell Doringo, and Immediate Past Chair Shelia Carlton.

The conference was then kicked off with a keynote from Lowell Doringo, current Chair Elect of the board of directors and former 1998-1999 National President of HOSA. “You have two ears and one mouth because it takes twice as much effort to listen.” After many activities, including playing a word game where two members would converse using the last word of the previous sentence, he recounted on an experience when he was at the hospital. While doing tests in the Cardiac Ward he was lying in bed divided by a curtain, on the other side he heard a woman who was on the phone taking care of another family member - whilst on vacation at Disney World in Florida. Doing everything in his power, Lowell called his other cast members to escort her back to Disney World instead of paying for a taxi, along with giving her vouchers for future rides. Little did they know that five years ago, they remembered that Lowell was their tour guide at Magic Kingdom. Inspired and in tears, the family said to Lowell “I hope to see you in another five years.” Lowell’s story outlines that true leaders are always are leaders in their personal and professional life. Lowell stressed that, “Guidelines are the policy to follow one’s heart.”

After some announcements for the night, Team Tri took the helm as Ryan Underwood and Patrick Grady began the sessions. After various exercises and enabling us to shatter out of our shells, we outlined many aspects of being a leader in our generation. Social media initiatives were encouraged, such as using FourSquare and Pinterests. We traced our hands and put our information about our favorite interests, accomplishments and sayings - a symbol of us and put it on the walls.

After lunch, Patrick Grady led the session in an all out HOSA chant, where sides were divided. Low voices, high pitched squeals, slow-motion annunciation, guys, girls were all divided as we united in saying “HOSA.” Never doubting the power of humor in leadership, Patrick brought positive humor to the atmosphere as the night inched to a close.

In a movement to know HOSA’s heroes, everyone was divided into groups of George Sifakis, Captain Tossatto, Regina Benjamin, Jan Mould, Sean Sheffer, Lowell Doringo, and Dr. and Mrs. Koeninger. In the next few days, we would learn their significance and impact we can have on HOSA.

The members prepared for what was to be their next adventure at the capitol the next day! Day 1 kicked off the conference ready to expand greatly!


Day 2: 09/18/2011

Day 2 began bright and early with breakfast at the hotel. Then bus boarding commenced, and we were off! Officers met in their hero groups to search Washington for some of the more elusive facts about America’s history - and about leadership. Their search took them from the halls of the Smithsonian to the tallest structure in DC: the Washington Monument. Groups bonded, and also learned retrospectively how to delegate and communicate tasks within a group. Hindsight is 20/20! Delegates showed off their new WLA 2011 shirts to America’s city as the first official WLA pictures were taken upon the steps of our nation’s capitol. After several (hundred) shots, HOSA prepared to recover from the morning’s work.

Back at the Hilton, HOSA ate lunch to prepare for an afternoon that was sure to require energy. It began with a leadership session that focused on impacting officers’ state HOSA associations. The workshop left students with ideas to excite and celebrate members within their states. These ideas consist of everything from simple fundraising ideas to complex insights into the way that members and the general public view HOSA. Next attendees learned how to impact America - a task that was right around the corner! Officers learned to explain the values and benefits of HOSA while promoting maximum community involvement. This would come in handy on Tuesday, when officers set out for congressional office buildings to spread the news about HOSA to the nation’s top policymakers. Officers used their newly refined skills to practice and prepare for this experience.

Next, HOSA decided to rock hard at the Hard Rock! For dinner, WLA 2011 departed the Hilton for a night on the town , beginning at the Hard Rock Cafe: DC. Everyone agreed that it was a fitting restaurant for experiencing this city of history. After running over to the nearby gift shop (souvenirs!), the buses once again carried us to our next destination - the city at night. Few could completely take in the beauty of the moment as memorials and monuments flashed past, their majestic architecture accentuated by dramatic lighting. It was undoubtedly a metaphor of the glimpses of greatness that people see in HOSA members every day. Notyable experiences that night included ascending the steps of both the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, viewing the Washington Monument, and walking the eerily silent grounds of the Vietnam and Korean War memorials.

Back on the bus, nobody would have known that future healthcare leaders were present, as most delegates were asleep! It wrapped up a day of both learning and leading, waiting and walking, and traveling and talking. It was on this day that HOSA’s leadership had their first meeting with America’s leadership. Many later said that the city itself had a kind of presence, like a governing city upon which all others should be modeled. This was the discovery of the quintessential American city. Of America’s city.

Day 3: 09/19/2011

After a day spent walking the National Mall, sore bodies, enthusiastic smiles, and engaged minds, we continued the conference on a day that would be nothing less than emotional, commemorative, and inspiring. It began with a leadership workshop on decisions that emphasized how we are constantly engaging in decisions that will not only impact the immediate moment, but that hold long term effects. Among some groups, an interesting concept came up and it was “if it affects someone directly, it affects everyone indirectly.” As HOSA members, we are one of THE greatest impacts on healthcare and we must continue to keep this alive by drawing other people in.

The following session was about impacting your audience. Among one of the exercises that were practiced included that one of explaining HOSA and its mission to different audiences. The officers took on different personas, from cheerleader to rapper, and explained what it meant to be in HOSA and its impact. Recognizing your audience in any situation is extremely important and this can make the difference in how you draw in more members and support for HOSA.

After two incredible leadership trainings, it was time to learn more about our nation and commemorate those who have given up so much for our freedom and rights. Everyone picked up some box lunches and proceeded to Capitol Hill.

At Capitol Hill, we were fortunate to receive tours and learn more about the founding fathers, revolutionary American figures, and the legislative heart of the government. The officers stood in the same court where Marbury v. Madison was held, where John Marshall, the creator of the judicial review, presided, and where the original Supreme Court conducted their meetings. They stood at the spot where Abraham Lincoln’s desk rested during Congress and they stood among the statues of figures from all over the country who made changes in the country. They gazed at the zenith of the rotunda and saw the Apotheosis of Washington. They stood among eight paintings that held the history of the most important moments that gave rise to the democracy that exists in our country today.

This democracy still exists as a result of all of those who have given up their lives for the  red, white, and blue, America, and the rights of its citizens. The State Officers witnessed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial before its grand opening. Two boulders, like mountains, created the entryway to this heroic monument. They gave rise to two walls that extended out engraved with some of his most memorable and empowering words. At the end stood a boulder where Martin Luther King, Jr. was engraved. He overlooked the Jefferson Memorial and stood there in all of his faith and power. It was great sight to see.

Sean Sheffer and David Kelly take steps down to lay
a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Picture Courtesy of Georgia HOSA

The emotional moment was not over as everyone quickly proceeded to the Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. With a hike up to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier lined up with tombstones of countless heroes, the officers reached the Tomb and peacefully watched a soldier guard the tomb with calculated steps and a flawless manipulation of his weapon. Suddenly, the changing of the soldiers proceeded and this meticulous and impeccable change took place. Sean and David were then approached by a General and proceeded down a the steps that led directly to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They took the wreath and in perfect unison, placed it next to the Tomb in honor of all of those who have heroically represented America. Complete silence filled the air and absolute respect became the overarching emotion. This was absolutely one of the most honorable moments of the conference.


Everyone left feeling emotional and humbled and continued on to a dinner with State Advisors. The night was filled with joy and respect and a great Italian dinner filled the appetite of the busy officers. A social awaited at the hotel, which would bring the most genuine and incredible emotions.

It was time to present the life and achievements of the Hero Teams, including their talent for the Talent Show and an ice-breaker. From playing Ninja to playing the ukulele, to Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” and from skits mixed with varied tempos to teaching a Hawaiian dance, and even plazin Zip, Zap, Zoom and line dancing, the officers stepped out of comfort zones and bonded. Everyone even had the opportunity to learn about the achievements of our heroes and why HOSA is where it is today.

The night ended with endless hugs, embraces, and high fives. It wasn’t officially the “end,” but this was the final time in which the officers would share their thoughts and emotions. The next day would continue onto putting their talents to the test. What a great day.

Day 4: 9/20/2011

After three fun filled days of leadership training and networking, many opportunities still awaited the HOSA members on the final day of the fifth annual WLA! Prior to arrival, members and advisors already set meeting times to meet with their state’s legislators. After spending large amounts of time preparing for these congressional visits, the members were now prepared to arrive at Capitol Hill in their Navy Blue suits and spread the word of HOSA!

Meeting with the legislators of our government, is not only an amazing experience for all HOSA members, but it is also a great way to keep the leaders of our nation informed about HOSA! In these congressional visits, various topics were discussed ranging from the structure of our organization, to the Perkin’s Act, which is how HOSA recievs funding. We are the Future Health Professionals of America, and it is vital that our federal government is aware of who we are and the amazing strides we make as health sciences students!

Following the congressional visits, it was now time for lunch on Capitol Hill! During this meal, the members were greeted by the Deputy Surgeon General, Dr. Boris Lushniak. There was also a  congressional panel which was lead by HOSA’s political lobbyist, George Sifakis. On this Panel HOSA was proud to have the opportunity to have questions answered by various individuals who play an enormous role in the health care of our nation!

After loads of excitement on Capitol Hill, it was now time for the HOSA members to head home.


I woke up this morning and realized how much I miss WLA. I hope I see all y'all again when HOSA takes over Orlando next year!" - Ben Kelly, North Carolina HOSA

The State Officers, gained an abundance of leadership knowledge that they could now take back and share with their state associations and local chapters. Many Goodbyes were said, but the members were well aware that they could still keep their new friendships strong through social media connections until they meet again at the National Leadership Conference in June!

"I met so many amazing and inspirational new friends. Even though we all came from different backgrounds, we easily became friends because of our one common goal - bettering America's healthcare." - Samantha Turner, Mississippi HOSA

However, the day was not yet over for your National Officers. They then had the opportunity to make a presentation to our wonderful state advisors at the SAM (State Advisors Management) Conference. As the new faces of the National Executive Council, it was now their opportunity to share with the advisors who they are, where they’re from, and where would they be without HOSA. The Officers who were not present, shared about themselves via video. Each officer had their own way of uniquely expressing themselves, and the presentation was enjoyed by the state advisors!

The 2011 WLA was an ultimate success for all members who were in attendance. Memories were made, pictures were taken, leadership was developed, and the foundation of life long connections were made. The four day HOSA adventure in Washington D.C. was truly an ultimate success!


----------------------------------------------------------------------
We want to hear from you!
Want your pictures and quotes here? Send them to us at: shefferhosa@gmail.com

"Networking Tips" - Courtesy of Experience Student Newsletter

"No matter where you're at in your career, whether a college student or already in the workforce, networking is one of the most important career tools you have. The secret to networking is that there is no secret! It's a natural progression of meeting and learning from other people with similar (or opposite!) career interests, which doesn't happen overnight. 

Here're a few quick tips to keep in mind... 

Do's:

1. Learn about others (a professor, boss, classmate, family member, gym buddy, etc.) and their career paths and aspirations.
2. Make the most of your formal and informal environments, by sharing who you are and learning how your strengths can help another individual or company.
3. Stay in the loop with new developments in your career field by attending workshops, training programs, professional associations and events.

Don'ts:

1. Ramble on about yourself and neglect to ask other people questions.
2. Force yourself to meet as many people as possible, in hopes of someone handing you a job.
3. Hand your business card and resume over to a bunch of strangers and walk away."

Awareness is Empowering...

     Do you know what the most common inherited blood disorder in the US is? Sickle Cell. September is National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month. Consider making this your profile picture on your social media sites for the month of September to raise even more awareness. Check out the websites below to learn more!

http://www.youtube.com/user/stopthesicklecycle#p/u/5/DE7Vq13glO4

http://www.youtube.com/user/stopthesicklecycle#p/u/1/EySmtKNptTg

Coral Reef HOSA Hosts Freshman Orientation for Incoming Medical Students

National Officer, Nathalie Figueroa joined Coral Reef High School in Miami, Florida in welcoming the Class of 2015 to the Academy of Health Sciences.  Laura Fink, Coral Reef Chapter Advisor, Florida HOSA Competitive Events Chairperson, and National HOSA Teamwork Events Lieutenant, did an excellent job at providing and overview to the standards expected of students and the opportunities available in the academy. The chapter officers and academy parents hosted a booth where they sold academy shirts to advocate the spirit of medicine, as well as refreshments to help fundraise for their HOSA events this upcoming year. 


Scrub Squad's Media Coordinator, Diego Figueroa, provides a more detailed account of what the purpose and goals of the event and of the student council are for the year.




"Coral Reef’s HOSA Chapter and the Medical Academy’s student council, better known as the Scrub Squad, spent their Saturday morning welcoming incoming medical freshmen. Our Saturday morning consisted of informing, educating and familiarizing parents and students about all the opportunities available through HOSA and the Medical Academy. We want to make sure that the Medical Academy’s student body gets the most out of their high school experience and what better way than to start early? The Scrub Squad ensures a productive and stimulating year by planning entertaining and constructive events, fundraisers and field trips. We hope to start off the year by branching out into the community and offering as much help as possible by adopting an underprivileged school and sending care packages to the Army. Furthermore, the Scrub Squad works with the academy to achieve the mediums for which the students can attend more HOSA conferences and excel in their competitive events. Working along with HOSA, we hope to continue to fuel the passion of future healthcare professionals. "

Here are some pictures of the event!

                                           

          A Medical Academy parent helping raise money for the chapter by selling the Academy shirt.

Vanessa De Laosa registering parents to join the Medical Academy's Booster Club.

Laura Fink talking to her team, (left to right) Vanessa De Laosa, Ashlin Endter, Celeste Roche.

Nathalie talking to incoming freshmen and their parents about HOSA.

Coral Reef's Scrub Squad and Nathalie take a picture after sharing the morning together.

If your local chapter has ideas, goals, and achievements you would like to share with other chapters nationwide, please do not hesitate to contact us through HOSANECblog@gmail.com. We truly want to showcase all the talent and time you put into HOSA as we continue to "Celebrate the Members!"

Strive & Succeed - Tips & Resources to Help Conquer the School Year

The golden hours of our summer are leading into yet another school year and why not make our school year golden too, rather platinum? The National Executive Council wants to help you make it so by giving you a list of tips and resources that may help you achieve your academic, extracurricular, and HOSA goals.  The best part is that these can help anyone from middle school to college!  So don't hesitate to take what you need and spread the word and the productivity.

1. Set expectations for yourself.

• Be realistic in what you expect from yourself, but aim high.

• Make sure to dedicate time and attention to all aspects of your life. Don't forget yourself! If you're healthy and happy, you can be more efficient in dedicating time and talent to your goals and responsibilities.

2. Set goals.

• There is a study demonstrating that writing one’s goal enhances goal achievement. So think about what you want to do for the year and set your goals on paper, on a file in your computer, or anything visible.

• A similar tactic includes posting a picture of a role model on the ceiling above your bed so it's the first thing you see as you wake up and the last thing you see as you fall asleep. Every time you see it, think of why you admire that person. Is it their life philosophy, work ethic, the way they overcame struggles, their achievements and/or current employment? Use this to guide your goals.

• Visualize yourself achieving these goals. Repeat in your mind the pictures of having achieved your goal already and in this way you will be affecting your subconsciousness. "Thoughts in your mind transform into emotions. Emotions are the basic line for subconsciousness. And the longer these emotions stay in your mind, the more they impress your subconsciousness. All thoughts deep-rooted in your subconscious mind affect your physical reality." (Big Success)

• For more tips check out: http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/10-secrets-to-success/

3.  When thinking of time management think organization, reminders, preparation, and plan B, C, D...

• The old school way to organizing time includes the use of a calendar, but thanks to technology we can carry our calendar with us on our phone, laptop, or electronic tablets. Keep these updated and set reminders. How? As soon as you are presented with an event, input it into your calendar. If not, focus some of your free time to update your calendar for the week, month, or year.

• A resource for prioritizing responsibilities, making checklists, and completing them is www.producteev.com. "Producteev will help you manage your tasks from wherever you’re comfortable working : E-mail, IM, Web, iPhone, Gmail, Google Calendar…" It is also an application that may be available for download on your electronic, so check it out!

4. Don't just organize your time, organize your resources.

• Organize your workspace. Use filing cabinets, folders, color coordination, post-its and whatever else you need to keep all of your assignments, projects, and materials arranged. This will help you maximize your effectiveness in completing, archiving, and referencing back to your work.

• If you also enjoy online solutions, www.Evernote.com is one of the best resources literally at the tip of your fingertips for organizing notes. Besides an online source, it is also an application that is available for download on any Blackberry, Apple, or Android products. "Capture anything, access anywhere," and then search for it whenever you need to.

5. What about resources?

TRI Leadership does a great job at providing us with links and online access to resources via HOSA University. If you have not had the opportunity to attend yet or have lost the links, here they are. We have also included some of our own.

• www.Quizlet.com - "Quizlet is the largest flash cards and study games website with over 6 million free sets of flashcards covering every possible subject."

• Wolfram Alpha -  A search engine that helps with math/science studying.

• www.Slideshare.net - "SlideShare is the best way to share presentations, documents and professional videos."

• www.Prezi.com - Bring presentations to life with the innovative and interactive software of Prezi.

• www.Zotero.org - "Zotero is the only research tool that automatically senses content and adds it to your personal library with a single click." This is an extension that works only with Mozilla Firefox Internet Browser.

• http://onlinenursepractitionerdegree.com/2010/49-fascinating-youtube-videos-to-learn-about-the-human-body/ - “49 Fascinating YouTube Videos to Learn About the Human Body” that can be very efficient in your Health Science courses.

• If you need to turn for more advice on how to improve productivity, check out http://www.lifehack.org/topics/productivity for more articles on how to do so.

6.  Seek support.

• Reach out to classmates, teachers, advisors, professionals, and your family about any concerns you may have. Many times we don't realize how much support is available until we become open to accepting it and reaching for it.

• High School Students: Check out http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/starting-points/index.html to see the action plan that best fits you. Planning ahead and being prepared will help make you the top contenders for college admissions (as well as actively participating in HOSA)!

• College Students: Become familiar with the various support available on campus. Your academic advisors, student advisors, the career center, and professors are there to help you. Take time to e-mail them or visit them in person in order to become acquainted with each other. There is nothing better than seeing a student who is active in their academic endeavors, but also in maintaining relationships.

7. Do the things you love and love the things you do.

• Working hard is important, but sometimes it burns you out. In doing the things you love, you will feel revitalized instead of drained.

• However, don't forget to lead a healthy lifestyle. This includes nutrition, sleeping habits, and physical fitness. For more tips and information visit First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move Campaign website: http://www.letsmove.gov/

Team 2012 truly wishes you a successful school year. We know you will continue to surpass our expectations as you exercise your talent and skill in participating in your local, regional, and state chapters.  We look forward to not only representing you, but also to working with you. Don’t forget to continue checking back for the variety of articles we will be posting up in our commitment to “Celebrate the Members!”