Departing for San Antonio on Thursday, March 28, seniors Amos Nun Sung and Megan Phan will compete at state for HOSA. After placing third in their last competition, Phan and Nun Sung are the first two students ever to take the school to state. Senior Fallon Hale, who competed in veterinary science, placed fourth and junior Benafsha Sidhwa placed fifth in researched persuasive writing and speaking.

“I was so surprised,” Phan said. “I honestly thought we wouldn’t make it as far as we did because there are two rounds to make it to state. I honestly thought we were going to fail the first one, so it was a really big surprise.”

Health Occupations Students of America, now known as HOSA, is a club for students who plan to become health professionals in the future. The club often has certified health professionals come and talk to the aspiring doctors about their positions and how they achieved .

“I joined HOSA in hopes to help me build up experience for my future career,” Nun Sung said. “Through HOSA, inspirational leaders have taught me well through their speeches.”

Members go to competitions to compete in various events such as terminology, veterinary science and career displays. Phan and Nun Sung will present their career display that won them third at regionals when they go to state.

“It’s like UIL academics but all based in medicine,” HOSA adviser Kelly Lancaster said. “There are some people that do writing. Some people do speaking [and] others involve specific careers.”

While excited, the students are also nervous for their upcoming competition in San Antonio worried that their display might not be up to par with the others. When the team isn’t competing, they’ll have time to relax and enjoy their stay.

“The [competitors] are very intimidating but it’s interesting to look at people,” Phan said. “I’m excited to see displays that made it to state other than ours. I’m also excited to hang out with my friends in San Antonio.”