Competitive event season approaches for HOSA, students involved are feeling the pressure…In the best way possible. With project deadlines closing in and preparation intensifying, members are having to balance academic responsibilities while having to perform their best in upcoming competitions.
Future Health Professionals (HOSA) is an international student organization dedicated to preparing future leaders in healthcare. It ranges from medical terminology and clinical nursing to public health and research presentations, HOSA’s competitive events challenge students to apply both knowledge and real-world skills to solve issues within healthcare.
Balancing HOSA commitments with schoolwork is not a small task. Students often struggle studying for exams, completing homework, attending meetings, and preparing presentations all at once, it’s exhausting.
For many students, the key is developing strong time management skills to make sure they don’t burnout.
When asked about balancing academics and competitive events, Sarvesh Krishnamoorthy, a member of HOSA shared, “Mainly by focusing on my schoolwork during the day and work on HOSA after school. We work in a group so the work load is lightened a bit.”
By planning ahead and prioritizing tasks during the day, students like Sarvesh are learning how to stay organized under pressure, which is an essential skill not just for competitions, but also for academic success.
He also mentions working with a group, another important skill for life. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help or needing a little break, to know your limits is something that can really aid you when having a lot of work.
With deadlines approaching, stress levels rise. However, students are learning how to move that stress into productivity rather than a burnout.
When asked about how to control stress and work, Mahi Singh explained her strategy, “I take a lot of breaks between study periods and I also like to plan fun things to do AFTER I complete my work, like hanging out with friends or going out to eat. Small treats that are rewarding and give motivation.”
By breaking work into manageable chunks and having a reward afterward, Mahi forms stress into motivation. These habits not only improve her ideas and HOSA work, but also help her maintain balance in her everyday school life.
While some extracurricular activities can feel overwhelming, many HOSA members believe their involvement directly supports their future work and experiences.
Hasika Gopu shared her thoughts on the question about if HOSA helps pave the path for their future work and studies, “Honestly, I want to work as a healthcare professional when I’m older, so it really gives me a good hands on experience. It helps guides what I want to do when I’m older while also allowing me to explore other things on the side.”
From clinical simulations, medical knowledge tests, and teamwork experiences, students gain early exposure to healthcare careers. Rather than distracting from long term goals, HOSA often strives to strengthen students commitment to their future paths, giving them a headstart.
HOSA members are constantly proving that success is about more than just studying, it’s about balance, discipline, and growth. Whether it’s mastering time management, learning how to prevent burnout, or gaining knowledge/experience about future careers, students are developing lifelong skills along the way that will always stick.
