(This is an archive story, please refer to byline for journalist's name)
By Alexia Palacios
Not many teachers can truly say that teaching is their purpose in life, but Melissa Galloway can. Galloway is both a teacher and HOSA advisor. Students see Galloway more than just a regular teacher, they also seek her advice and opinion.
For the past two years, students have sought help and trust in Galloway. Both HOSA and health science are great pathways for any student seeking a career in the medical field.
“HOSA helps with leadership skills, great opportunities to meet new people. Brings out your competition and volunteer opportunities,” Galloway said.
HOSA can provide many great academic opportunities. Member Abigail Shugrue got the opportunity to take a very difficult pharmacology test and placed fourth place. Now she will get the opportunity to attend a state competition and may get the opportunity to compete in any of the top three are not able to compete. They also are a great group of students who can help guide you in the correct path. HOSAis not just for students who seek the medical field but who want to better themselves in every way they can.
“HOSA has shown me many aspects of nursing and key components I have to know for the rest of my life when I plan on going to college for nursing,” Senior HOSA Historian Anna Le said.
Students enjoy Galloway’s class, as well as her teaching. Galloway makes students feel comfortable and motivated, always pushing her students around her to be the best version of themselves. Her class is a safe place for many people, it allows students to feel heard and cared for.
“[Galloway is] supportive, caring, and a role model,” Sophomore HOSA member Yazmine Guttierez said.
Along with teaching, Galloway was previously in the medical field. She was a nurse for 10 years but plans to stay in teaching. Although Galloway’s passion is much stronger for education, she encourages her students to pursue the medical field and to never give up. She gives advice to her students, and she shares her “crazy experiences” from the medical field which inspires her students to follow in her footsteps.
“I absolutely love teaching, I truly believe it is my purpose in life, it gives me a chance to share my experiences and teach students who have a desire to go in healthcare by using my background and knowledge,” Galloway said.
Not every teacher truly influences their students, much less build relationships with their students.
“The relationships I have built with students are just an added bonus,” Galloway said.