Student Lead Efforts Through the Use of Technology
Here is an example of one of the shoutouts Indy HOSA posted.
Not many high school students had imagined everyday life and school being how it is right now. During the world’s unprecedented situation, many lives are being put at risk and the opportunities available to students all over the world have changed. With that said, many high school students have taken it upon themselves to take initiative and make a difference in the lives of those being affected in several unique, collaborative ways. Both student led organizations which are school based and non-profits outside of school are working on making a difference in their own ways.
Independence High School has a wide variety of clubs that were started this year, and due to COVID-19, many are taking it upon themselves to create opportunities while students are at home. One club setting such an example is Indy Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA). As a first-year startup club, they are trying to find their role at Independence by inspiring students to pursue a career in the health sciences
“We find it extremely important to honor our healthcare workers. They do so much for us not only during this difficult time but year-round. Their commitment to our nation and the sacrifices they make to serve others is amazing. The least we can do as a HOSA club that is modeling the next generation of future health professionals is to keep them going. We want them to feel respected and know that their work does not go unnoticed,” said freshmen Aditi Shanbhag and Dharshini Arunprakash, presidents of the club.
As a result, the club has been creating awareness through social media platforms in hopes to spread positivity during such times of uncertainty. Every Sunday, they post a weekly shout out to commend all first responders and spread awareness. Over the past few weeks they have shouted out many healthcare professionals and hospitals in the process; INOVA also publicly advertised Independence High School’s post as a result.
Indy HOSA’s main goal for the coming years is to compete in district events and be able to model real-life medical procedures, while also affiliating the club nationally. Many planned activities have been canceled along with volunteering opportunities, so there will soon be an alternative schedule for the club to continue with its goals in the future if students were to not return to school. Apart from shoutouts, the club also hopes to focus on fundraising and continue showing compassion for the sick along with those on the front lines.
In addition to school clubs, many student-based non-profit organizations are running different programs and utilizing tec
hnology to its full extent while people remain to be social distancing. YouthEDUx is a non-profit organization created by students, at Independence High School, dedicated to educating the youth about STEM mainly through the focus of their three main pillars: Digital Awareness Program(DAP), Health Initiative Program(HIP), and STEMology.
“We realized that younger kids have very little to do during this pandemic so we designed several programs so that they can learn and stay fit. Currently, we have a total of six programs that we want to carry out once the testing season is over,” stated the youthEDUx team. These programs include a mentor’s program for rising freshmen, a seminar-based program where volunteers choose topics from STEM to teach children, online tutoring which covers most classes from Pre-K to 9th grade, and health and fitness classes. For any more information, one can follow their Instagram or Facebook group @youthEDUx. The website will be up and running in the next couple of weeks but until then, people can find sign up forms and seek volunteer experiences.
It is through such organizations and school clubs. which are allowing and inspiring students to take initiative and make a difference, that high school students at Independence are helping their community in several different ways. Make sure to look out for what these organizations and several others are doing, so you can have an impact and spread this sense of positivity and purpose.
