Our chapter came back from the summer hot with enthusiasm.  My 2^nd Place finish in Extemporaneous Writing at nationals not only enthused me, but breathed fiery life into the entire chapter as well.  True, the beginning of our new school year had the usual rumblings of a new administration heading our chapter and driving its success, but those to-be expected baby steps were fervent and yearning to turn into a well-paced stride.

                This stride was in full force by the time our respective chapter participated in HOSA week.  Enthusiasm for the week’s activities was nearly overwhelming for our barely-tenured leadership team, but we pulled ourselves from the trappings of newness to handle the flow activities with a youthful deftness that raised thousands in the name of Cystic Fibrosis.

                We followed our HOSA week success with a stab at raising funds for the state competition.  While some of us were not able to participate—the fall sports season was hitting its climax and required our attention to be paid elsewhere—those who were able to participate brought in enough money so as to pay for almost all of their fees for competing at state.

                As the state leadership session looms before us, we wait in both anticipation and nervousness.  We are anticipating the glorious fun, the indelible memories, and the unforgettable experience.  We are nervous for the long tests, the terrifying performance evaluations, and the final awards ceremony.  But we will face these feelings with the innovation and fire that our chapter has always employed for such situations.  As we see this new season abound with new things, new members, and even a new president, we will be looking forward for the greater things to come while still holding onto our past to remind us what has brought us this far already.

Jakob Tsosie, Elko County HOSA President