What was your position during your term as an AzHOSA State Officer, and what were your responsibilities?
I was the Secretary during my term as an AzHOSA State Officer. My responsibilities included keeping detailed notes of all meetings, preparing the minutes for Spring Leadership Conference, and overall working with the team to facilitate conferences and to guide our members through the organization.
Why did you join HOSA?
Initially, I joined HOSA because my best friend did, but it quickly became something I aspired to maximize my involvement in. Eventually, I realized I joined because it was the jump-start I needed to become a health professional.
What was your favorite thing about HOSA?
My favorite thing about HOSA was the vast amount of opportunity available to every single member across the nation and the world. It was incredible! I could travel, meet renowned professionals, receive scholarships, and network with people from all over the globe (Plus more, too!).
Why did you want to run for state office?
I tended to stick to my shell throughout high school, but HOSA was the one thing that I let myself open up to. I developed such a passion for it. My advisor at the time encouraged me to run for state office. At first, I was reluctant. I was terrified to run! Speaking in front of who knows how many people? No, thank you! Eventually, I gave in because I craved to serve HOSA to the maximum, no matter how far out of my comfort zone I had to go. It was a very humbling process, and I am extremely grateful for the support system I had throughout it and for the opportunity overall.
What is your favorite HOSA memory?
My favorite HOSA memory… There are too many to count! But if I had to pick, I think I would say my first time at Nationals. It was in Orlando, which was my favorite location! We had just come out of opening session and everyone was feeling energetic, most notably the Puerto Rico Chapter. They were playing instruments and singing and laughing-- they were totally carefree! It was such an honor to meet all of them, so we asked if we could trade pins. Their pin was a frog native to Puerto Rico, and I still have it after 4 years! It was so inspiring and refreshing to be exposed to such positive and enthusiastic attitudes.
What do you do outside of HOSA?
Outside of HOSA, I focus mostly on classes and grades. A couple hours each week, I am a volunteer for the Steele Innovative Nursing Center at the College of Nursing, and I am
also a part of the club PAIN-- Professional Associations in Nursing. When I get the chance, I really enjoy spending time with my family and dogs in Prescott Valley.
What are your current career goals?
My current career goal is to be a Registered Nurse. This might change once I get through Nursing School, but at this moment I want to work in the ICU or in dialysis.
How has HOSA helped you?
HOSA has helped me in countless ways, but one thing I took away that I think helped the most was learning to have confidence with humility when serving others. I always lacked in confidence, but HOSA taught me that it’s crucial to be confident in yourself and in others. However, there’s a silver lining between confidence and pride, and the difference is humility. After attending the crazy large conferences, I was so humbled by the amount of people considering a career in a health profession. I’m not the only one! But this also gave me confidence in myself to achieve my goals because there are thousands of others that are giving it their all, too. HOSA was my first inspiration to go to nursing school!
What is something not a lot of people know about you?
A lot of people may not know that I have a deep obsession for Dachshunds!
What would you say to someone who is considering running for state office?
I would say DO IT! I would also say make sure you’re ready to commit yourself to the organization and it members. Go at it with the most positive and encouraging attitude in everything you do because the members look to you to serve them. Stay humble, but never lose confidence!
*If you have any pictures that you would like us to include please just email them to me at [email protected]
PAST STATE OFFICER INTERVIEW:
Meet the 2015-2016 State Secretary, Rachel Campbell