Although some students believe that the extracurricular activities that are present at Malden High School are abundant, some people feel their interests are not represented in the many clubs that exist.
Officers Thomas Conti and Ashlee Zeng have recently created the Malden High chapter of HOSA. HOSA, or Health Occupations Students of America, is a nationwide recognized student-run organization endorsed by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of ACTE to further students' knowledge of the health industry. They also hope students gain leadership skills through competing in competitions and conferences that range from regional to international levels.
“We want to give people the opportunity to grow themselves both academically and individually as a part of a community, which isn't really represented here,” said Conti, describing his goals for the club. Both officers had expressed feelings of excitement towards the future community their club will bring, as they claim that they will strive to create an environment where most if not many, will be able to “feel as though not only are they represented, but they also have a chance to be recognized for their future achievements as well as their already great ones.”
The representation both officers want their members to feel is met through the organization's ability to house many interests within the club. For example, Conti explained that students interested in different pathways like government, medicine, dentistry, or even anesthesiology can have experience with their interests due to the club's ability to create and obtain, “internships, getting shadowing experience, research facilities, professionals,” said Conti.
At the club's first meeting on April 11th, in Ms. Brill’s room, the officers were able to meet with potential members of HOSA to introduce the club and discuss how it will be run with only 2 months left in the school year. Anticipating students were met with a slideshow presentation outlining the structure of the club, as well as the positive impact it can have on its members.
It first outlined the competition event categories where members could choose between Team Based Events, Health Profession, or Leadership and Teamwork. Different categories focus on parts of Health Science like Organic Chemistry, Nursing, and even Health Policy Debate. During the meeting, the club also revealed potential leadership opportunities within the school and on a National level to help fund and run the club correctly to be able to provide members with experiences like internships, scholarships, and medical labs.
If anyone is interested in getting involved with the club, the officers urge anticipating members to keep in touch by following the club's Instagram, @maldenhosa, and joining their Google Classroom through the code, qhhexsn.
