I Have a Dream
Casey Finley, Georgia HOSA Reporter
12/23/2010
Martin Luther’s famous speech, “I have a dream”, was all about his dream to unite the people of the United States regardless of color. I also had a dream last year. My dream was to become a Georgia HOSA state officer, something no one in my county had ever done. I come from a county where FFA rules the school. But I didn’t let that stop me from my dream. I waited in anticipation for the application to come out online. When I finally printed out the application, I was shocked to see how much work was needed to fill out this application. But even though I had to get a lot of signatures and meet some new people, I filled out the application and sent it in. Then, that Saturday came where we would meet the others and do the exam and interview. I had studied the material for the exam and got my brand new HOSA uniform, but I was still nervous. But that day was one of the best days I had ever had. Meeting everyone and coming up with a skit together was one of the many great experiences.
Then, I waited for slating to come out. You should have been in my house when I saw the slate. I had been slated for reporter and it was the greatest feeling. At that time, I realized my dream was coming true. Then I had to come up with a catchy slogan that represents who I was and some way to promote it. I had the help of my advisors and fellow members to help me with this stage of the process. I ended up passing out little drink parasols that said, “Casey’s got you covered for 2009-2010 Reporter.” March finally came and with March came State Leadership Conference. At the conference, I campaigned, reconnected with the other candidates and spoke in front of the 2,000 members that were there. This whole part of the experience made my dream seem like reality. Then here came the nerve racking part of the whole experience, the SLC closing session where the new officer team was announced. When I heard my name, a smile spread across my face and I realized just as Martin Luther’s dream came true, so had mine.
Being the Georgia HOSA reporter for this school year has been the most amazing experience I have ever had. Meeting all of the Georgia HOSA members and the members across the country was so great and I have made so many new friends. Even though being a state officer is hard work, the joy that you get from being an officer makes it all worthwhile. I have learned how to be a better public speaker, how to portray myself professionally, how to network better and overall be the best leader I can be. This year I gained a new family because the other state officers and region representatives become your family. They are just a part of the support you get as a state officer. I also couldn’t have done all of this without my advisor. She has given up so much of her time and dedication to helping me. To my advisor, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. But I can’t explain all of the things I have learned, the friends I have made and the growth I have experienced, I have just given you a taste of what this whole experience feels like. If you want to know how this feels, try this experience for yourself. Who knows? You may just fill a dream of yours and have one of the greatest experiences of your life.
