As we embark on State Conference season, this month, we share a Rising to the Moment “guest” blog, courtesy of HOSA Secondary Board Representative Corey He!

It seems like it was yesterday when I was elected to serve as a state officer in New Jersey. At the time — around March of 2021 — I had convinced myself that I was an individual capable of filling the shoes of my predecessor and had a general idea of the skillset necessary to succeed in this position.

I was completely wrong.

Some of my first experiences as a state officer, such as the Washington Leadership Academy and other early speaking opportunities, were rather humbling and made for an awakening. I quickly learned that I had a long way to go before I could consider myself anywhere near capable. To put it simply — and bluntly (from one of my most trusted mentors) — I was a rather boring speaker, a bland personality, and an individual who needed to truthfully reflect on what it means to be a professional “servant leader.”

When I was first elected to state office, I structured my campaign around the idea that I would push for large agendas and great initiatives for our members. As the year went on, however, I came to realize that although such ambitious ideas are great, they aren’t at the essence of what makes a memorable state officer. At the end of the day, the membership of New Jersey HOSA simply wanted to get to know me as a person — not as an officer, but as a friend, a peer, and a fellow member passionate about the mission of HOSA.

Once I made this critical realization, I began to explore the true bounds of my platform as a state officer. Although I would never have considered myself “reserved” or “introverted” at the time, I now see that I was initially hiding a facet of myself that ultimately became critical in fostering that powerful connection between me and the membership. I made it a priority to crawl out of my shell: I needed the members to know that behind my HOSA suit was a person who loves music, is a self-diagnosed sushi and ice cream addict, and is an absolute sports fanatic who spends his Sundays binging all sports networks.

Through subsequent initiatives through NJ HOSA’s social media platforms — such as weekly Wordle giveaways — and interactive reels, I set about forging this new connection. I knew that once it was all said and done, I would be satisfied with the material and tangible contributions that I had made to NJ HOSA — these are the contributions and initiatives that one might be able to write down on a resume or on a random sheet of paper. Yet I also knew that the lasting impression that I would leave on the members would actually come from “intangible” contributions — contributions that showcased who I am as a person both in and out of a HOSA setting. These were the contributions that mattered more to me and those who I served.

As my term as a state officer wrapped up, I wasn’t sure if I could see myself on the IEC — despite making some strides in personal and professional growth, I still lacked a certain degree of self confidence and self-esteem. I envisioned those on the IEC to be highly-accomplished members of their respective communities with years and years of experience in HOSA. I found myself at odds with that: I had only been a state officer for one year, and I felt that I had so much more to learn about myself and what leadership entails; how could I possibly fit the role of an IEC officer?

Although I may not have believed in myself, those around me did, and I was fortunate to have had such a tremendous support system that challenged me to always seek the next challenge. When I heard my name called at the 2022 International Leadership Conference and walked out onto the stage, I was overcome by a sense of wild excitement and newfound appreciation for not only those who had believed in me, but also those who voted for me and put their trust in me.

The overwhelming sense of surprise and euphoria that followed my election to the IEC quickly gave way to imposter syndrome. I found myself routinely asking myself, Do I belong? It was a rather lonely sensation — I questioned my capabilities and felt that perhaps I was the “weak link” on an IEC filled with professional expertise and leadership talent.

Although I probably shouldn’t have been in the mindset of doubting myself, I was in the perfect place to be asking these questions because I could not have asked for a more supportive and endearing IEC to be a part of. Right from the start, my fellow council members welcomed me with open arms, and we quickly formed close friendships despite being professional colleagues. When it was time to work, we were all business — when it was time to relax, we set aside our HOSA pins and came to know each other as people and as lifelong friends.

Experiences like this not only allowed me to overcome my imposter syndrome, but to also recognize the importance of a work-life balance — especially since I was starting my freshman year of college. Making the transition from high school to college while serving on the IEC was definitely a huge challenge — some professors are more understanding than others — but being able to share experiences from other fellow IEC members overcoming similar academic challenges made my situation seem much more manageable.

Some of the other members of the IEC have incredible stories to tell and inspiring experiences to share, and I know without a doubt that they will go on to be the change that they wish to see in the world. Being able to share the same room with them and sometimes just talk about life with them gives me a sense of “down-to-earth-ness” that I had never experienced before. I also feel that some of the strides I’ve made as a leader throughout my term on the IEC — whether it comes to public speaking, networking, or other forms of professional correspondence — came from watching and learning these amazing individuals go about their business. I love the way we learn from each other while managing to crack each other up with some silly comment or inside joke every so often.

Being on the IEC also introduced me to a platform that I could never before have envisioned myself being a part of. I now not only represent all HOSA members around the world, but also students interested in healthcare who have not yet discovered HOSA but who would benefit greatly from getting involved in HOSA. One of my main goals is to cater the mission of HOSA to these individuals, to give them the resources they need to find a second home in HOSA and start chasing their healthcare aspirations. When I traveled to various conferences and events, I continually reminded myself why I was in these places and the very people who I was representing — for the first time ever, I felt that I was finally beginning to digest the concept of a “servant leader.”

I also learned some valuable tips and tricks that may go a long way even though I did not expect to learn them. I learned that for domestic flights, I can show up as late as 45 minutes before my flight and still board with time to spare. I learned that Uber drivers can be some of the most interesting people to strike up a spontaneous conversation with. And last but not least, I learned that New York pizza is some of the best pizza I’ve ever had even though it’s amazingly cheap.

But in all seriousness, serving on the IEC has been an unforgettable and unrelenting experience in every positive way. The challenges and opportunities that have come my way have motivated me to seize the moment and uncover some skills that I previously didn’t even know I possessed. In short, it’s been an incredibly rewarding journey of self-reflection and self-discovery, and I wish it could go on forever.

As I now reflect on all my past experiences and growth, I’m left wondering about what the next challenge offers, about what the next opportunity entails. At last, I think I’ve come to grasp the notion of a growth mindset and appreciate the meaning that it can bring to my journey. One thing is for certain, though: HOSA — and the very people who gave me this wonderful opportunity to be in HOSA — has become an integral part of my identity, and even after my term ends, I know that the best is still yet to be. HOSA is the gift that keeps on giving, and soon, it will be my turn to give back to this incredible organization and see how our HOSA community can truly go Beyond All Limits.

Best wishes,
Corey