Oklahoma Health Careers Education Teachers Association (OHCETA) sponsored Health Careers Day at the Capitol February 17, 2016. There were nearly 300 students and instructors in attendance. Northwest Technology Center’s (NWTC) Health Careers Certification instructor, Debra Button is currently serving as president-elect for OHCETA played a key role in organizing the event. During the session in the afternoon the group was recognized by Speaker Hickman.
The students were given packets to help them understand the process of passing a bill along with current bills being heard that concern healthcare. Visiting their legislators was one of the highlights of their day. A self-guided tour and scavenger hunt were other activities that got them more familiar with our state Capitol.
The main attraction was hearing from Rep. Will Fourkiller from district 86. Rep. Fourkiller is a registered nurse who currently works in hospice. He shared his journey from being a teacher/coach then pursuing a nursing degree and working in surgery and his passion for others that brought him into politics. Sharing with the students that one day he did not just wake up and decide to be a politician, especially since they are usually not very well liked by many people but knew he needed to be a voice for those in his community and state hoping to see us become healthier in several ways.
NWTC students were impacted by their visit in many ways. Alisha Peterson, a junior from Fairview High School (FHS), stated that she is “very eager to apply to Girls State to learn more about our government”. Lauren Goodson, Sophomore at FHS, did not realize how busy the legislators were and how hectic their schedules are on a daily basis. FHS junior, Taylor Fitzsimmons shared, “I am more interested in politics and may look into being a politician so I can help fellow Oklahomans”.