Senior Ryleigh Beitler earned second place in her competition in the Job Seeking Skills competition at the HOSA Eastern Region Conference held on Jan. 30 at Gila Community College. This competition focused on professional interview skills, resume preparation, and communication techniques. 

Hosa.org explained, “HOSA is a global student-led organization…HOSA’s mission is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community, through education, collaboration, and experience.” Furthermore, Beitler explained her feelings toward her last HOSA competition, “It feels pretty good. It’s very rewarding. I do work hard and put a lot of effort into this, and I’m really passionate about this.” The feeling of winning her event was a reward as it confirmed her hard work and commitment. 

Having been involved in HOSA for all four years of high school, Beitler found that this competition held an added emotional importance. She recalled, “I honestly thought about this [her last competition] a lot. I was pretty sad because I’ve involved myself a lot…I don’t want to leave the memories and the experience.”

To participate in the Job Seeking Skills event, students had to mirror an interview process and prepare a professional resume. Beitler said, “My competition was an interview, and I made a resume, which I practiced for interviews. I usually sit down with my parents, or my grandpa, who is in business…then the resume I did completely on my own.” Beitler’s preparation for the competition included individual work while she received guidance from her family. 

HOSA was significant in Beitler’s high school career because it provided her with an opportunity for leadership and career preparation. She said, “I think it’s brought me community and real-life experience. I think it’s brought me scholarship opportunities and job skills that I need and use…” Ahead, Beitler intended to pursue nursing school and hoped to continue her outreach to her community through HOSA.