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| Here we are, ready to IMPACT our Future! |
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
"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
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.
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| 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!
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