Friends,

Growing up, I always enjoyed the holiday season…

Over time, though, the holidays (and the break from classes) looked different – from traveling with family some years, to enjoying time and celebrating at home, to now just being able to take a breather from final exams season (whew!), the holidays and holiday break always bring something new – especially when it snows… something we don’t get too often in North Carolina!

But regardless of how and with whom I spend the holiday season each year, the spirit of the holidays has remained the same for me, as well as for our family: the holidays have always been and continue to be an opportunity to truly take the time to appreciate each other – to value each other – to think back and reflect on the year – to relax – and, yes, to plan for what’s next in the year to come. The holidays have always been a great time to enjoy the company of loved ones. And in our family, the holidays also mean delicious foods and desserts 🙂

It is my true hope that you have had a joyous and restful holiday season, and that you are ready for a prosperous New Year 2023 ahead that will encourage us all to move forward “beyond all limits.” After all, we’ve had to traverse uncertainty after uncertainty in the past few years. Here’s to a new year filled with joy – with challenges, yes – but with rewards too.

I know that, alongside each of you, HOSA-Future Health Professionals is bound to continue its growth and meet its goal of empowering hundreds of thousands of active members to become leaders in the global health community. There is no doubt that 2023 will be a year filled with success for HOSA members globally, and your International Executive Council cannot wait to celebrate each of you at the 2023 International Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas.

Until then, as we begin the new year, it is my hope that you are able to appreciate the joys of living in the moment, reflect on the challenges you face, while recognizing the impact that those close to you have had on your ambitions – your aspirations – and your achievements.

I hope you do so because you mean a lot to a whole lot of people. Never forget that. You belong – not the version of yourself you think people want to see or be around – but you – the genuine, authentic you.

It was this very fact I shared with the International Executive Council in our last meeting of 2022. Before we began the meeting, each of us went around and shared what we admired about each other – as teammates, as friends, and as people.

From Lauren’s artistic talent and creative ability to Corey’s passion, dedication, and magic skills, Youstina’s positivity and energy, Sahil’s intelligence and humility, Rachael’s kindness and confidence, Vivian’s ability to listen and be compassionate, and Anna’s empathy and calm aura, I admire each and every one of our team members. They bring diverse skillsets, perspectives, backgrounds, lived experiences – and it is, truly, an honor and privilege to serve alongside each of them.

It is my hope that each of you, in the months ahead, whether it be with a friend or two, classmates, teammates, family, or loved ones – share what you appreciate about each other – what you love about each other.

We think it – but, oftentimes, we fail to say it.

I was reminded of this as I received an unbelievably kind note from a HOSA member prior to the holiday season. The member shared with me that HOSA has changed their life – HOSA gave this member a renewed outlook on what they can do in the future. Through our organization, they gained confidence to believe that they can positively contribute to our world and make a difference.

For me personally, it was a reminder of why we do what we do at HOSA-Future Health Professionals. At the end of the day, it is an honor and privilege to lead HOSA-Future Health Professionals not because of the conferences or the opportunities, but because of the members. Because of you – each of you.

I appreciate you.

And so I hope you appreciate what HOSA has, can, and will continue to do for you along your journey.

In the new year, I challenge you to say what you mean and mean what you say. It’s not enough to sit on the sidelines for the challenges we face. Together, I know we can move forward “beyond all limits!”

Happy New Year 2023, HOSA family! Here’s to another year full of memories…

With love — today, tomorrow, and always,
Kartik

Kartik Tyagi
International President
HOSA-Future Health Professionals