Are you wondering what a day in the life of a UNH student looks like? Welcome back to our Day in the Life of a UNH Wildcat blog series, where we put the spotlight on students from different academic majors and class years.
Today, we travel to Dallas, Texas for the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) International Leadership Conference with Kait Jollimore '25, a psychology major. Kait is the President of UNH HOSA and walks us through spending two days networking, learning and competing at the conference with other members of UNH HOSA.
What is HOSA?
Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) is a student-run organization inspiring leadership in future health professionals. HOSA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services. At the HOSA International Leadership Conference, members compete in events based on leadership and professional skills, while networking and attending educational workshops. Learn more about hosa
Meet Kait Jollimore '25
Hometown: Manchester, NH
Major: Psychology, Minor in Genetics
On-Campus Involvement:
- RA in Sawyer Hall
- Zumba instructor at Hamel Rec
- President of Pre-Med Society
- Member of Red Cross Club, Ski and Board Club, American Cancer Society
- Research Assistant: Cognition, Brain & Language lab
- Dean's Ambassador for CHHS
- Baking business called Kait’s Cakes
Wednesday
10 a.m.
We get a rental car and take it to the Dallas World Aquarium! We spend a few hours at the Aquarium before heading back to the hotel to change for Opening Session at the start of the conference later Wednesday evening.
3 p.m.
We get ready and head to the Omni Dallas Hotel attached to the Convention Center.
4 p.m. HOSA Expo
After arriving at the Omni, we enter Ballroom E and explore the plethora of tables and vendors HOSA provided us in one big room. They even have a Chick - fil - A on wheels! Getting to chat with potential grad schools and other undergraduate students is a great opportunity. They also have an ongoing blood drive going on in the back throughout the entire week.
5 p.m. Conference Registration
I meet up with the hotel staff to collect our UNH pins, lights, agendas and pens for Opening Session and of course for the rest of the week.
6 p.m. Sonic Break!
One of our goals this trip is to try lots of the fast food joints we don’t have around New England! First up, Sonic! It is good—just disappointed at the lack of roller skaters!
7:30 p.m. HOSA Opening Session
We go back to the Omni (just a short two-minute drive) and attend Opening Session where we hear from Keynote Speaker ADM Brett Giroir and learn more about the days ahead.
9:30 p.m.
We are exhausted at this point so we go back to the hotel to reset for the day and watch Neighbors in the living room. We end up getting groceries as well for breakfast in the morning.
Thursday
10 a.m.
Vice President Tyler and Secretary Linda make breakfast at the hotel for everyone!
11 a.m. Museum of Illusions
We all grab coffee and check out the Museum of Illusions in Dallas! We spend a few hours there and do some shopping. We enjoy some chocolate and ice cream tasting and go cowboy boot shopping!
12 p.m. Reunion Tower
We enjoy the view of the Reunion Tower even in the 105°F weather!
2 p.m. Jack in the Box
We try another fast food chain we have never seen before! This one is definitely our favorite!
3:30 p.m.
I drop everyone off at the hotel since their events are not until tomorrow and change into my business attire.
5 p.m. My Competitive Event Exam
Because my event is in the Leadership category, I have two rounds: an exam and a speech on the advantages and disadvantages of virtual learning. I place high enough on the exam to advance to the speech round, so I practice while I wait until my appointment later on.
6:38 p.m. My Competitive Event Speech
I think I do pretty well besides the fact that I am finishing up my last sentence when I run out of time. That definitely costs me a spot in the Top 3. However, I am pleased to announce I placed 4th Internationally in my event (Researched Persuasive Writing & Speaking).
7:30 p.m.
I grab everyone pizza on the way home and we just relax at the hotel for the night since we have to be up bright and early for their events the next morning!
- Read all of our Day in the Life blogs here
- Learn more about HOSA here
- Follow UNH HOSA on Instagram @unhhosa
- To join UNH HOSA, come see our table at UDay in September!
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Kathryn's UNH Day in the Life
Meet Kathryn Carlson ‘24, a chemical engineering major at UNH and a Process Validation intern at Lonza in Portsmouth this summer. From learning about the Process Validation field, to being responsible for document review, to participating in a mixing study, follow along on Kathryn's day. read more about kathryn's day
