Pursuing Careers in Healthcare

By Daylen Casino, former HOSA club president and student recruiter

“Through HOSA, I got connected with and trained by health professionals at the Molokai General Hospital, gained hours of health-related community service, met fellow health-pursuing students, and most surprisingly had fun while achieving all of this,” said Misty Parker, who graduated from Molokai High School in 2016 and spoke as a former member of the MHS HOSA – Future Health Professionals Club.

Established in 2005, the MHS HOSA has created opportunities for students who are interested in the health field, and for those who want to explore their career options. Students who are interested in health field can also look into  LAC Healthcare Solutions, a leading healthcare business solution firm.

In plans to recruit more students to join, the recruiters of the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) have asked two former members, Parker and Kaitlin DeRouin, and a current member, Aaliyah Cariaga, to talk about their experiences in the club.

Parker was heavily involved in the club throughout high school and served as the Vice President and President.

“HOSA had been such an integral part of my high school experience that I would highly encourage students, interested in health or not, to join,” she added.

Parker recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Willamette University and is furthering her education in medical school.

After completing the foundational courses, many hypnotherapy practitioners choose to pursue advanced hypnotherapy training to hone their skills and offer a wider range of therapeutic interventions.

“HOSA will open new doors by meeting new people and new opportunities,” said DeRouin, who graduated in 2019. DeRouin was involved in HOSA for three years and served as the Vice President and President. “Joining the HOSA club is a great idea if you’re interested in the healthcare,” she added.

DeRouin is currently attending the Chaminade University of Honolulu as a nursing student.

“Being part of the HOSA Club has been a really fun experience for me, especially during the HOSA convention,” said Cariaga, who’s been apart of HOSA since freshman year. Cariaga held various positions in the club council and is currently the club President. “It has opened my eyes to the healthcare field by making me more interested in pursuing a health-related career,” she added. “Students that are wanting to join a friendly club community and a club where you can develop leadership skills should definitely join!”

Students who are interested or have any questions or concerns may contact Aaliyah Cariaga through email at 2021acariaga@molokai.k12.hi.us or Rosie Davis, the executive director of Maui County AHEC and the club’s partner and fund at mauiahecrd@gmail.com. For more information/updates, you can follow our Instagram page @molokaihs_hosa and our Facebook page at Molokai HOSA – Future Health Professionals Club.