I am a single mother/ parent of 5 children. My two oldest sons are not mine biologically. I have had them since they were 2 years old and 2 months old. My children are now 12, 9, 7, 6, and 5. I have been raising them alone for 90% of their life. Their father, who is father to all 5 does not help at all and barely calls, but we have a fun life. We do not let the outcome of situations determine our days. We have so much fun from side walk chalk to jumping on the trampoline. Being there everything has not been easy but it is rewarding. I am their superhero, so I can not fail. I have to show up and show out for them everyday. Being the best role model for them is my only option.

My name is Kayla Perry, I am 37 and a single parent/ mother of five beautiful children. I have tried a few different things in my life and finally found my calling. My mama says I should have done this a long time ago, but I guess you live and learn. I understand how important it is to put someone first. My two oldest sons are not mine biologically but I’ve had them since they were 2 years old and 2 months old. They are now 12 and 9. My other three children are 7,6 and 5. Four boy and one girl, yes my hands are full. Talk about a fun time! My children are my reasons for everything. Entering the program and pushing myself to prosper is because of them. Watching them look up to me and see mama doing something rewarding and enjoying it, has been such a blessing for me. I currently work for Medstat and watching their faces when the ambulance pulls up or seeing one on the interstate makes their faces light up. I am their superhero. I want them to be proud of me and hopefully one day want to be in a position to serve their community as well. Loving and raising a child that is not yours biologically is hard, trying your best to do it correctly is even harder. I want to be someone they all look up to. I want to be everything the lady who did not want them, isn’t. My passion for helping people runs deep. My love and passion for being humble and compassionate for my community and the people in it is huge. I have always had a passion for helping people. I can remember watching lights and hearing sirens, wondering where they are going or what happened. Sometimes even asking, “hey, can we go check?” While most people keep going or look away from problems and emergencies, first responders do the complete opposite. We run towards the problem and have to remain calm. Becoming a first responder is not just a qualification but an opportunity. An opportunity to continue creating a foundation for my children. A chance to continue building stability for the family I’ve built, along with doing something I absolutely love. Being a single parent/ mother of five has taught me patience and resilience. It has taught me calmness and “how to be a duck”. Calm on the surface but my feet are steadily moving. While balancing the responsibilities of everything, motherhood, school, and working full time will not be an easy task, it is showing me that I am dedicated and willing to do the work. I am currently enrolled in the EMT Basic course and will proceed onto the paramedic program. I want to be a paramedic and continue helping people when and however I can,