A cool spring breeze is blowing across the Hardin Simmons University campus in Abilene, Texas and over a thousand hopeful Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) members cluttered the campus. Contests are held in classrooms around the university. The judges have friendly smiles and a welcoming persona. That of the students, however, range from cheerful and excited to nervous and anxious. The atmosphere is exciting and energetic.

  Allen Mays, HOSA instructor, is taking four of the club’s members to the HOSA Area Five Competition this spring. Hundreds of students gathered on a campus and used their skills to compete in front of judges. HOSA has 47 members this year and of those Karen Rangel, Destiny Martinez, Lucy Tackett, and Allysa Ebeling qualified for the competition.

  “Our HOSA members will compete with over 1200 students in all classifications from Abilene to Fort Worth and even down to Copperas Cove,” Mays said.

  HOSA is for future health professionals and anyone taking a health science class or anatomy can be involved.

  “Students must attend meetings, participate in service projects, raise money for events, and compete in their chosen field. Students also have the opportunity to attend various conferences and other activities to explore their interests and have fun while doing it,” Mays said.

   Additionally, HOSA gives students multiple scholarship opportunities.

  According to HOSA.org members can receive scholarships in a variety of career fields such as, “Audiologist, Pharmacist, Dentist/Dental Hygienist, Nurse/Nurse Specialist, Allied Health (numerous occupations), Physical Therapist, Doctor/Physician Assistant, Public Health, Speech Therapist/Speech-Language Pathologist, Nuclear Medicine, Occupational Therapist, and Recreational Therapist.”

  In addition HOSA not only provides scholarships, it is also very beneficial after high school.

  “Students have skills and experience that directly translate both to jobs and to academic pursuits in healthcare,” Mays said.

  In fact, there are many wonderful facets of HOSA.

  Mays’s favorite aspect is seeing students pursue something they are passionate about. He also enjoys “seeing them learn and grow from the experiences they have.”

  In addition to seeing students grow from being involved with HOSA, there is another reason why Mays got involved. “I wanted to promote the wide range of health care careers and give students an opportunity to practice the profession they are interested in pursuing.”

    HOSA is still a relatively young organization, although it has changed over the years.

  “There has been quite a bit of growth. We have also started competing, with more students qualifying for area competition every year,” Mays said.

Mays has a unique way of teaching his members., and this philosphy has greatly encouraged many students.

   “I am here as a guide or facilitator, not to tell students what they should do,” Mays said.

   HOSA was introduced in 1976 and SHS has reall focused on it the last three years, but Mays has even higher aims for the future of the organization.

  “I would love to see every Health Science student involved. I would also like to see us continue to qualify more students for area, state, and international competitions,” Mays said.