Florida Gateway College’s HOSA–Future Health Professionals chapter celebrated on Saturday, January 24, as FGC student Elisabeth Garcia-Gijon earned Second Place in Pathophysiology at the HOSA Springs Regional Conference. This accomplishment qualifies Garcia-Gijon to advance to the HOSA State Leadership Conference in April.
“HOSA for me isn’t just about competing, but about gaining leadership skills, making unforgettable memories, and finding joy in healthcare,” Garcia-Gijon said. “My future goal is to become a nurse or a health science teacher while still being able to incorporate HOSA. Whether that means being a judge or an advisor, I want to be able to open doors for others, just as my health science teacher did for me, with HOSA.”
Garcia-Gijon has been an active member of HOSA since 2022. She was first introduced to HOSA during her sophomore year at Dixie County High School by her teacher and mentor, Mrs. Jennifer Driggers. She now serves as Vice President of HOSA at Florida Gateway College.
“I am incredibly proud of Elisabeth. She is truly a joy,” said Jessica Crews, FGC HOSA sponsor and Assistant Professor of Nursing. “Her advancement to the state level is a reminder of what dedication, resilience, and passion for healthcare can achieve. I couldn’t be more excited to see her represent our college and pursue excellence.”
HOSA–Future Health Professionals is a student organization that prepares members for careers in healthcare through education, leadership, and hands-on experiences. It helps students build skills, compete in health-related events, and develop a passion for serving their communities.
Garcia-Gijon will compete at the HOSA State Leadership Conference, to be held April 16–19 in Orlando, Florida.