E-Magazine: Preparing for Competitive Events

Preparing for Competitive Events 

Competitive events can be a difficult process to go through, especially if it is your first time doing them. You might be having trouble figuring out what type of event you want to compete in, how you should be preparing, and how to actually compete at SLC and possibly even ILC. Well, the most important thing to realize is that the competitive event guidelines are already open for this year, so you can see what event you want to compete in right now! These guidelines are the best resources you have to see what each competitive event is like, and they have other important additional information such as practice questions, dress codes, and recommended study tools. 

The first step that must be taken is to decide what competitive event you want to participate in. Start off by considering if you want to compete by yourself or in a group. There is a section of competitive events dedicated solely for working in a group, so it makes it easy to see what events allow you to work with others. Some people prefer to compete in a group when they first begin competitive events, since they can go through the process with other people, however in the end it just boils down to a personal choice and no choice is wrong. Next, consider how you want to compete. You could take a more traditional route and study for a testing event, or you could showcase your creative abilities and design a poster board or deliver a speech. Either option is a great way to compete; it just depends on what makes you feel the most comfortable and happy. 

After you have considered these factors and decided what competitive event you will participate in, it’s important to start looking into what you will need. You might think that you have a few months before you have to start preparing, but it is in your best interest to start early, so you aren’t cramming everything in during the last few days. This is where you can turn to the guidelines, since it has practically everything you need for the event. It states whether you need State Qualification Testing, lists the official resources to help you study, provides the dress code, and much more! It’s important to give a thorough read through of the guidelines. I recommend printing it out and highlighting important information, since it makes it a little easier to remember everything you need to do. 

Now that you have figured out the event you are competing in as well as what you need to do for that event, it is time to put your plan into action! Get started on your studying, writing, or designing! It may feel overwhelming to just begin, but you can take it step-by-step to make it more approachable. Start off by simply just creating a quizlet if you are doing a testing event or start brainstorming ideas for your service projects; either way just take the initiative to begin, since that is always the hardest part. Another great way to begin and get some inspiration is to look at past examples of projects. Some events have projects from previous years posted on their guidelines, so you can go check them out and see what other people have done in the past. This is a great way to inspire yourself on what to do and just confirm all the necessary aspects of your event you have to complete. 

The time has come; you have picked your event, read through the guidelines, and worked on your project. You’re at SLC, and you're about to compete in your event! Competing can be stressful, especially if you are doing it for the first time. However, there is nothing to worry about, trying your best is all that is expected. But, just to help you out, here are some tips on how to put your best self forward. The number one thing you can do is get there early. Everyone who has been to SLC knows how bad the elevators at the hotel can be. With thousands of Georgia HOSA members in one place, it can take a long time to get an elevator. This is why it is important to leave your hotel room at least a half hour before your event, so you have time to get down to your event without having to run or stress out about whether you’re going to be late. Next, try to keep a list of everything you must bring. It can be nerve-wracking to make sure you have packed everything, and you have all the necessary components for your competitive event. Thai is why I recommend having a little checklist, so you can without-a-doubt be confident you have everything you need. Lastly, and most importantly, just take a deep breath. Nerves can oftentimes take the best of us and lead us to perform not as well as we know we can, so if you ever feel anxious or stressed out take a few deep breaths and trust in yourself and the preparation you put in. 

You are now ready to embark or continue on your competitive events journey. I hope these tips and steps prove to be helpful for you, and I wish all of you the best of luck at SLC in March. If you have any questions or concerns, always feel free to reach out. Good luck everyone! 

Bavishya Yeturi