Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Public and private high schools came together this past Friday during the annual Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competition at DYWA gymnasium in Tafuna on February 9, 2024. The event served as a platform for students to demonstrate their healthcare knowledge and explore diverse career opportunities within the industry.

Major healthcare departments and organizations such as LBJ and DOH, alongside organizations and divisions like AHEC, Tautua Samoa, SPED-DOE, ASTCA, Marine Corps, Alliance, EPIC, Search & Rescue, Intersections, Cancer Coalition, and LBJ Dental representatives shared their insights with HOSA members.

ASCC Nursing, which set up booths to explain their roles in the healthcare field. Student participants had the opportunity to interact with representatives and gain insights into the healthcare industry in American Samoa.

The program was led by HOSA student officers who demonstrated leadership and organizational skills consistently throughout the event. Speakers including Congresswoman Amata, participants from the healthcare sectors, and First Lady Ella Mauga shared their insights and inspiration with HOSA members.

Mrs. Mauga encouraged students to 'Dare to Lead,' inspiring them to embrace leadership roles and drive positive change within their communities. She implored the HOSA members “not to retreat from the difficulties that await them. Accept them wholeheartedly. Embrace them fully. Have the courage to lead with bravery, empathy, understanding, compassion, and steadfast belief.”

The American Samoa Annual HOSA competition served as a platform to expose students to the diverse and rewarding opportunities within the healthcare industry. Through hands-on experiences, exhibitions, and inspirational speeches, the event empowered students to envision their futures as leaders and innovators in healthcare.