Making our communities overall safer and healthier for our neighbors is definitely a collaborative effort. From my personal experience, it takes several individuals and organizations to contribute a range of skills and efforts to create a safer overall product. As a paramedic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, my job is quite literally saving my community when they are ill or hurt. Although we are closely related to public safety, we do so much more to prevent the issues we treat daily. Our efficient medical attention is so important in averting crises, but I believe we easily make a larger impact on community safety. Beyond the commonly known flashing lights, our engagement in the community runs much deeper. My personal EMS company puts a lot of time and effort into giving back to the community via education. We hold our own CPR classes open to the public. We have received amazing feedback from these classes, especially after the world was shocked by Damar Hamlin’s incident. They felt as if they could save lives just like they saw EMS workers do on TV, and they can! My station also holds babysitting classes that teach all about children of all ages and how to be the safest provider. Even if it’s just posters educating everyone on the signs of stroke and what to do, they are so important in empowering our community and making it safer. The work we do as paramedics ties closely with various other public safety organizations. In Pittsburgh, our police officers are usually the first personnel on the scene. They are trained by the city's EMS to carry Narcan for overdoses and face masks to oxygenate patients. The amount of times I have responded to a scene confident that our police officers are competent and have saved the patient's life is more than I can count. Using our knowledge to train other public safety personnel to overall keep our communities and people safer is just another way we help our community. The dedicated EMS services all over the country have created a small light of hope as a strong force in preventing health crises, especially in the current state of the world. The combined efforts of public safety personnel relationships show the significance of teamwork it takes to keep our community’s well-being. It’s through this collaboration that my community thrives and creates an environment prioritizing safety and wellness for all its members.

My name is Hanna Alamo. I am a 22-year-old, paramedic from the city of Pittsburgh, Pa. With the goal to serve my community, especially in a pandemic, I've spent countless hours on the front lines of healthcare. You can most likely find me working in the emergency room of one of the Trauma centers of Pittsburgh, or the back of an ambulance. My journey in the world of healthcare began with the want to make a difference in people's lives. I started working as an EMT in my hometown during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it's responding on an ambulance, or providing bedside care, I've come to understand the impact that I can have on the lives of others. I always say to my patients “It was a privilege to help you on one of your worst days”. Beyond the fast-paced environment of the ER, my goals continue beyond that. I'm currently in the process of applying for scholarships to aid in the journey of my dreams: becoming a nurse. I dream of being a flight nurse and am reminded of my dream every time I hear a helicopter in the sky. I want to expand my knowledge but also inspire the next generation of Hispanic healthcare professionals. In addition to my passion for healthcare, I'm a giant lover of dogs, particularly Bernedoodles. Whenever I'm not at work or studying, you can find me exploring Pittsburgh in search of new coffee shops and reading a book. As I look forward to the future, my goals remain the same: to serve my community as a paramedic and a nurse. Through my dedication and ongoing pursuit of knowledge, I aspire to make a lasting impact on the field of healthcare.

“I’m so OCD!”. A simple sentence to most, but as someone who suffered through this debilitating disorder, I know I would never wish it on anyone. I have both personally and professionally dealt with the mental health industry in the United States. As a paramedic working in a Level 1 Trauma Center Emergency Room that is attached to a behavioral/mental health hospital, I have been acquainted with the intricate mix between physical and mental well-being. As I grapple with my battles against OCD while working closely in health care with behavioral and mental health patients, the one thing I know for sure is mental health does not discriminate on age, race, or gender, and it often comes with a vengeance. One of the positive aspects of my experience has been the impact on my beliefs about mental health. Wrestling with my mind has provided me with a profound empathy for those facing similar challenges. I have come to view mental health not as a distant concept but as an intricate and largely complicated struggle in many of our daily lives. These personal struggles have profoundly influenced my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations, molding me into an individual with a unique perspective on the intersection of mental health and emergency care. Working as a patient care technician in my emergency room has given me many real-life interactions with those suffering from mental health issues, and lots of time to talk and relate to them. I have seen young teenagers up to those in their 90s seeking assistance for their mental health. Whether it is while drawing their blood, assisting in transporting them over to the behavioral/mental health hospital or assuring them they are going to receive the care they need, I continue to use my personal experience to help in any way I can. However, this journey has not been without challenges, and negative experiences within the mental health industry that I see daily at work have shaped my determination to advocate for change. I have encountered instances where individuals seeking mental health support faced judgment or were treated with less urgency than those with visible physical ailments, or those patients not being taken seriously. These experiences have fueled my commitment to destroying the stigma associated with mental health, both within and outside of healthcare. In terms of career aspirations, my journey has propelled me toward merging the gap between emergency care and mental health support to make it more seamless. Witnessing the intertwining of physical trauma and mental health crises in my role as a paramedic has ignited a passion for advocating for patients and their families on the worst days of their lives. I aspire to contribute to the creation of protocols that prioritize the mental well-being of individuals alongside their physical health, and my role as an ICU Nurse will allow me to make huge waves. In conclusion, my journey with mental health has been a multifaceted journey that has shaped my beliefs, relationships, and career aspirations. Through both positive and negative experiences, I have emerged with a commitment to destroying the stigma and advocating for a more inclusive and responsive mental health industry. My personal stories serve as a force, propelling me toward a future where mental health is not only acknowledged but seamlessly integrated into everyone's lives.

Everyone remembers their firsts in medicine. My first time flying a patient from my ambulance and the flight crew was an all-female crew. My first time watching and assisting in a resuscitative thoracotomy. Or the first patient I cared for as a solo paramedic, who was having a large stroke and a heart attack at the same time. Being in the field of medicine comes with a lot of “firsts”, most will never be forgotten. I can say with pure confidence that ALL of my “firsts'' in medicine have continued to reaffirm that I am in the correct field and heading in the right direction for all of my aspirations. If accepted for this award, I would be able to further my knowledge in the field of nursing to no doubt prepare myself for a position in a medical or trauma ICU. Then eventually obtaining my doctorate and using that to teach and inspire other underrepresented minorities in nursing. From my experience with both the medical field and attending/working at the University of Pittsburgh, I am positive that I will be set to take on any goal I could dream of in my future in nursing. When I started my journey in medicine, specifically EMS, I had no idea what I had gotten myself into. From working 24-hour shifts as an EMT during a pandemic, while being a full-time college student, to taking two 18-credit semesters with over 300 hours of clinical, it was not easy. However, through all of the extremely physically, academically, and mentally challenging experiences, I found my passion in life. As I reflected on my transcript, I excelled academically, regardless of the hardships after finding that passion and starting the Emergency Medicine Program. There has not been a patient I have come across where I haven’t managed to learn something new. I make it my priority to be the most curious, involved, and attentive provider I can be. While there are some aspects of medicine I enjoy more than others, working as a paramedic and in the emergency room I have seen just about everything. However, I was always drawn to the higher acuity patients, regardless of the setting. If there was ever a pathological process I was unaware of, I would immediately research it and then go to physicians to ask further questions. These feelings were then confirmed while taking my Critical Care Paramedic course and studying for my Flight Paramedic Certification. I often find myself wondering how lucky I am to be able to learn these topics and love what I do, and I cannot wait to continue my education in nursing school. It was when teaching paramedic and EMT classes that I realized I like myself the most when I am teaching and inspiring others. I will undoubtedly work in the education of nursing and medicine one day. I am a true believer in “everything happens for a reason”. Every “first” I have experienced on my journey has led me to exactly where I am meant to be. At the time of completing this essay, I have spent 3,200+ hours with patients in a variety of healthcare settings and I have never lost my spark to learn and serve my community. I have learned more in these past 2 years than I could have ever imagined. However, the most clear thing is that I am undoubtedly meant to be a nurse and to teach other generations of nurses.

Working as a paramedic and crew chief in Pittsburgh, PA, I have personally demonstrated leadership in arguably one of the most dynamic and challenging fields which is emergency medical services (EMS). Leadership is a multifaceted quality that intersects various parts of one's personal and professional life. This essay explores how I have exhibited leadership qualities, and outlines my aspirations for the future using these skills. In the realm of EMS, effective leadership is crucial for ensuring the timely and accurate delivery of life-saving care. As a crew chief, I have embraced the responsibility of guiding my team through high-pressure calls, making split-second decisions, and creating a culture of collaboration between my coworkers. Leading by example, I actively participate in emergency responses, placing IVs, giving medications, and sometimes intubation. All demonstrate a literal hands-on approach to the challenges we face daily. This not only creates confidence in my team but also promotes a confident environment to take on any patients and complaints. Beyond the ambulance, my commitment to leadership extends to my education as well. I have been actively involved in teaching EMT and Paramedic labs, where I impart not only technical skills but also the importance of leadership in the healthcare setting. In these roles, I serve as a mentor, guiding aspiring paramedics through the intricacies of patient care. I also make sure to give real-life examples of situations I have been in. I find the use of real anecdotes catches the most attention and tends to stick with students down the road. By fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking and collaboration, I aim to shape the next generation of EMS professionals who are not only great with their skills but also capable leaders. Another avenue in which I have exercised my leadership skills is my involvement with the BRIDGES team at the University of Pittsburgh. I started as a member my freshman year, with the only students being accepted were underrepresented students with scholarships. I then served as a mentor for incoming freshmen in the program. In this capacity, my role included providing guidance, support, and encouragement to these students who face unique challenges as minorities on campus. Through my experiences, I have witnessed the power of mentorship in empowering students to overcome obstacles and achieve their academic goals. In conclusion, my leadership journey as a paramedic and educator has been shaped by a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. Looking ahead, I aspire to continue leveraging my leadership skills to effect positive change in both the field of emergency medical services and education. In the realm of EMS, I hope to continue to be an educator and help blend the lines between pre-hospital and in-hospital medicine. As a crew chief, I will aim to inspire a culture of continuous improvement, where each member of the crew is empowered to contribute their ideas, thus creating a dynamic and adaptable EMS environment.

My father's life journey exemplifies the American Dream. One that is built upon hard work and determination. His dedication, wisdom, and love have not only molded me into the person I am today but continue to shape the person and nurse I aspire to become. My father embarked on the courageous journey to the United States from Puerto Rico, for no reason but dreams for a better life and future for his family. He arrived in the States, a place where they believed that his hard work would yield a brighter future. However, the reality he encountered was one marked by challenges and disparities that he as a Hispanic immigrant would need to navigate alone. Growing up in the Bronx, New York was a testament to his struggle, in a neighborhood known for its diversity and resilience. He learned early on that unfortunately, the Hispanic community often has to put forth greater effort to obtain the same opportunities that others seemed to have effortlessly. It was an environment that shaped his character and instilled in him a determination to rise above adversity, a skill he would ultimately pass down to me. Tragedy struck when my Abuela became a widow, leaving my father and his 3 brothers with the responsibility of supporting their family. This new reality posed significant challenges, especially concerning my own father's health. He was diagnosed with diabetes during his childhood, a condition that requires ongoing treatment and care. However, the financial strain of supporting his family meant that he often had to forego the medical attention he needed. It was a reminder of the inequities that persist, particularly in Hispanic communities. Listening to these stories from my father and conducting my own research has ignited a fire within me. I've come to understand that Hispanic individuals are three times less likely to have health insurance compared to their non-Hispanic counterparts. This statistic has fueled my determination to not only be an advocate for the Hispanic community but also to enter the healthcare field and help those in need. Hispanic patients in the United States also have limited access to care and language barriers that pose significant challenges. In 2019, about 19% of Hispanics were uninsured compared to 6.7% of non-Hispanic whites. Also, roughly 30% of Hispanic adults lacked a source of healthcare, not allowing consistent access to medical services. Language barriers often impede effective communication with healthcare providers as well. Additionally, Hispanics have higher rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes like my father. If I can inspire other young Hispanic girls to pursue a career in nursing, we can directly combat these statistics and make healthcare more accessible to those who share our heritage. Hispanic nurses have historically been underrepresented in the nursing profession compared to their share of the U.S. population. As I apply for scholarships to nursing school, I am very aware that the hard work of my father is behind me in achieving all of my goals. I carry with me the lessons learned from my father's experiences and I am committed to working tirelessly, just as he did, to create a brighter future not only for myself but also for my community and those who face similar challenges. His upbringing in the Bronx and his unwavering determination in the face of adversity are a testament to the power of diligence, diversity, and resilience.

As President Ronald Reagan once famously said, "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. This quote crosses decades and time, finding resonance in all generations, but specifically the Millennials-Gen Z cohort. The mix of two distinct generational groups, each marked by their unique challenges and triumphs, reflects on the potential of the question for us to shape a future dubbed as "The Greatest Generation 2.0.". As a paramedic working in a level 1 trauma center in Pittsburgh, PA, I often witness the resilience of individuals from all generations facing adversity. The parallels drawn between these eras illuminate one common thread: the resilience that binds them together. Tom Brokaw, one of the greatest journalists of our time, named a generation that emerged from the crucible of the Great Depression and faced the crucible of World War II - "The Greatest Generation.". Now, in the current century, the Millennials and Gen Z are at a standstill in our ideas of destiny. The economic landscape of the 1930s mirrors the financial challenges confronting Millennials-Gen Z today. In an era where incomes were next to nothing, and the unemployment rates soared to 25 percent, the Greatest Generation took the weight of adversity with grace. Similarly, those of us in the present day find ourselves grappling with both low incomes and the specter of underemployment. However, speaking from the viewpoint of a “Gen-Z-er”, it is a difficult position to be in. I have personally been financially independent for the past 4 years of my life throughout college, however speaking to my parents, they do not seem to understand just how difficult it is in the current decade. Those of my generation tend to cope with jokes and “memes”, joking about how much easier it was for previous generations to buy houses for cheap and “go to college for a couple of pennies”. Although these jokes resonate with all of Gen Z, we have it pretty rough. Yet, amidst these shared struggles and jokes on both ends, a large difference emerges. The Millennials-Gen Z group faces not a (defined) world at war with nations, but our population making the planet at war with itself. That war is climate change. Unlike the threat constantly faced by our predecessors, we confront a global crisis that demands a giant action on an unprecedented scale, that is seemingly more impossible every day. Our generation's recycling and reusing is no match for the giant, unaccountable corporations. As a Puerto Rican “Gen Z-er'' with an Abuela who immigrated from Puerto Rico, I am acutely aware of the diversity within this generation and the richness it brings to the collective narrative. Characterized by a sense of responsibility and duty towards the greater good and diversity, the hearts of the Millennials-Gen Z just do not settle when it comes to these issues, usually fighting with generations prior. Our inheritance is not only economic uncertainty but a world burdened by issues such as crippling student debt, a destroyed healthcare system, and climate change. They navigate a complex web of challenges, each thread interwoven with the consequences of decisions made by previous generations. Many may question whether the generation that supposedly “created” the current mess, is fit to the guide way forward. The response from my generation is as such- "Don't worry, we'll find a way to deal with it." It's a polite yet firm dismissal, urging the older generation to step aside and make room for our fresh perspectives since we are the ones growing and adapting to the current climate. This politeness, at times, can be perceived as a weakness, but I believe it is a strength that has been forming for generations, untainted by the resentments that often plague the more mature of our society. In conclusion, the Millennials-Gen Z group with our unique blend of challenges and opportunities, emerge as the torchbearers of our future. The courses we navigate may be different, but the end goals remain the same. As we face the task of navigating a world on the brink of economic and environmental detriment, the bet on us becoming "The Greatest Generation 2.0" seems well-placed. It is in our resilience, kindness, and unwavering sense of doing what is right, that the hope for a brighter future resides - a future we are determined to shape on OUR terms.