When Emily N. and her teammate, Hely S., stepped onto the stage at the 2026 HOSA International Leadership Conference, they had already accomplished something extraordinary. Moments later, hearing their names announced as third-place finishers in the world in the CPR/First Aid competition made the experience unforgettable.

The recent Harmony School of Innovation-Fort Worth graduates earned the school's highest finish ever at HOSA's international competition after advancing through area and state contests against some of the nation's top healthcare students.

For Emily, the achievement represented far more than a medal.

"There was a time when I struggled with my self-worth and purpose," she said. "My HOSA journey helped me believe in myself and that I'm capable of doing anything I set my mind to."

Emily's path to healthcare began in ninth-grade biology, where teacher Mrs. Demirkiran inspired her curiosity about science and showed her how healthcare professionals make a difference in the lives of others. That interest continued to grow in Harmony's biomedical science program under teacher and HOSA advisor David Dogan, where hands-on learning helped prepare her for a future in healthcare.

"What interests me most about healthcare is the ability to help people and those in need," Emily said. "I've always wanted to help others."

Success didn't come overnight.

Emily and Hely fell short of advancing beyond area competition during their first year competing together in CPR/First Aid. Instead of letting the setback define them, they spent the next year studying for hours each week, practicing emergency response scenarios until every skill became second nature, and supporting one another through every challenge.

"From the beginning, Emily and Hely stood out because of their determination, teamwork, and strong work ethic," Dogan said. "They accepted feedback, stayed committed to their goal for two years, and never stopped improving."

Their perseverance paid off with area and state championships, earning them a place at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis. The event brought together approximately 16,000 students, advisors, and healthcare professionals from all 50 states and several countries and territories, challenging competitors through written exams and realistic emergency response scenarios that tested both technical knowledge and teamwork.

"What impressed me most was their composure and confidence under pressure," Dogan said. "Seeing their hard work pay off on the international stage was truly unforgettable."

This fall, Emily will attend Texas Christian University, where she plans to major in biology before pursuing her goal of becoming a physician assistant. Hely plans to pursue a nursing career while continuing to support Harmony's biomedical science program as an intern.

Looking back, Emily says the greatest reward wasn't standing on the podium. It was discovering confidence, purpose, and a community that believed in her every step of the way.

"The moment I'll remember forever isn't just receiving our medals," she said. "It's the people and community that made this journey possible."