Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. As a child, I grew up in a severely abusive home. My mother struggled with prescription opioid addiction and multiple suicide attempts, and my father was physically and emotionally violent. When I got into firefighting, everyone was impressed at how well I did in emergencies. At the time, I didn't know why, but it was because I heavily dissociated whenever I felt even slightly stressed. At age twenty, I started a long journey with therapy to love myself better and understand who I am. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new CHW Behavioral Health certifications through MSU. Long term, I am interested in becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program and so excited to be taking another step forward. In July of 2022, I had to take guardianship of my little sister after she was removed from my fathers household. At that same time, my long-term partner attempted suicide and luckily survived but was unable to stay with me and get the support he needed. During the first eight months of my program, I worked full time, attended school full time, and cared for a teenager who struggled with severe mental health issues and had been let down by everyone before me. I struggled every day. Struggled to push forward, struggled to care and provide for a teenager, and struggled with my mental health. For the first time in my life, I had a heavy bout of depression and decided to go on antidepressants. The move was hard for me. Watching my mother abuse medication my entire childhood has made me VERY weary of taking anything as an adult. But I had run to the end of myself. Despite all that, I recently passed the didactic portion of my program with a 4.0 gpa. Hannah, who turned seventeen while with me, graduated school early, bought her first car, formed an incredible bond with a new therapist we found, and was legally emancipated in April of 2023. I would use this scholarship to pay off my student loan, my current balance is $9,500. As my school is a trade school and not federal, I was unable to use FAFSA to attend and I didn't want to delay my education further so I took out a private loan. During school, I've managed to barely scrape by with the loan payments, supporting Hannah and me, and all the other surprises life throws at you. Despite that, this school loan is my only debt. Once I pay it off, I'll be debt-free! Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low-angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop the care paths. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker and CHW Behavioral Health technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the most good with the time I have. Long term, I am interested in becoming a critical care paramedic to do community health work and eventually going back to school for my physician assistant license. I believe all people have the right to healthcare and health literacy to know the system and how to navigate it. I've seen too many patients suffer from falling through the cracks. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program and working part-time on the Cheyyene River Reservation as an EMT. I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low-angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop the care paths. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker and CHW Behavioral Health technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the most good with the time I have. Long term, I am interested in becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work and eventually going back to school for my physician assistant license. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program. I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. However, I have no family to help me on this journey and have had to take out a loan of 10,000.00 to cover my base tuition costs. As my program is remote, I will have to fly to Boston and stay for a week for my finals. All that is out of pocket too. This scholarship would be a huge help to me and take some of the stress of finances off my shoulders while I prepare for graduation. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Flathead Valley in Montana and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop care paths. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the most good with the time I have. I am currently enrolled full-time with the National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program. I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different versions as I need to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. As a child, I grew up in a severely abusive home. My mother struggled with prescription opioid addiction and multiple suicide attempts, and my father was physically and emotionally violent. When I got into firefighting, everyone was impressed at how well I did in emergencies. At the time, I didn't know why, but it was because I heavily dissociated whenever I felt even slightly stressed. At age twenty, I started a long journey with therapy to love myself better and understand who I am. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker Behavioral Health certifications through Montana State University. Long term, I am interested in becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program and so excited to be taking another step forward toward the future I always dreamed of. In July of 2022, I had to take guardianship of my little sister after she was removed from my parent's household. At that same time, my long-term partner attempted suicide and luckily survived but was unable to stay with me and get the support he needed. During the first eight months of my program, I worked full time, attended school full time, and cared for a teenager who struggled with severe mental health issues and had been let down by everyone before me. I struggled every day. Struggled to push forward, struggled to care and provide for a teenager, and struggled with my mental health. For the first time in my life, I had a heavy bout of depression and decided to go on antidepressants. The move was hard for me. Watching my mother abuse medication my entire childhood has made me VERY weary of taking anything as an adult. But I had run to the end of myself. Despite all that, I recently passed the didactic portion of my program. Hannah, who turned seventeen while with me, graduated school early, bought her first car, formed an incredible bond with a new therapist we found, and was legally emancipated in April of 2023. I find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Flathead Valley in Montana and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop care paths. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the most good with the time I have. I am currently enrolled full-time with the National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program. I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different versions as I need to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. As a child, I grew up in a severely abusive home. My mother struggled with prescription opioid addiction and multiple suicide attempts, and my father was physically and emotionally violent. When I got into firefighting, everyone was impressed at how well I did in emergencies. At the time, I didn't know why, but it was because I heavily dissociated whenever I felt even slightly stressed. At age twenty, I started a long journey with therapy to love myself better and understand who I am. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker Behavioral Health certifications through Montana State University. Long term, I am interested in becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program and so excited to be taking another step forward toward the future I always dreamed of. In July of 2022, I had to take guardianship of my little sister after she was removed from my parent's household. At that same time, my long-term partner attempted suicide and luckily survived but was unable to stay with me and get the support he needed. During the first eight months of my program, I worked full time, attended school full time, and cared for a teenager who struggled with severe mental health issues and had been let down by everyone before me. I struggled every day. Struggled to push forward, struggled to care and provide for a teenager, and struggled with my mental health. For the first time in my life, I had a heavy bout of depression and decided to go on antidepressants. The move was hard for me. Watching my mother abuse medication my entire childhood has made me VERY weary of taking anything as an adult. But I had run to the end of myself. Despite all that, I recently passed the didactic portion of my program. Hannah, who turned seventeen while with me, graduated school early, bought her first car, formed an incredible bond with a new therapist we found, and was legally emancipated in April of 2023. I find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low-angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop the care paths. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker and CHW Behavioral Health technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the most good with the time I have. Long term, I am interested in becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work and eventually going back to school for my Physicians Assistant license. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program. I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low-angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop the care paths. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker and CHW Behavioral Health technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the most good with the time I have. Long term, I am interested in becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work and eventually going back to school for my Physicians Assistant license. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program. I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low-angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop the care paths. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker and CHW Behavioral Health technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the most good with the time I have. Long term, I am interested in becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work and eventually going back to school for my Physicians Assistant license. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program. I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for career funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop the carepaths. I also was one of the first CHW's in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker and CHW Behavioral Health technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the most good with the time I have. Long term, I am interested in becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program. I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I do not have any support from family and am single, financially the year has been a struggle as attending an accelerated program has left me no time to work more than a few PRN hours here and there. But, I find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Black Hills of South Dakota and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low-angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop the care paths. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker and CHW Behavioral Health technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the most good with the time I have. Long term, I am interested in becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program. I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. Reading about Ben's story inspired me, especially his desire to create change and that one person could make such an impact. He reminds me of the power each person holds, the ability to make someone's day or change their life forever. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Flathead Valley in Montana, I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department with my valley's only female fire chief and have continued my career in public service ever since. What I found was a world where I could dress gender neutrally (thank god for tactical pants/shirts) and be taken seriously as a person. Those first few years I grew so much in confidence and started to explore myself. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the best with the time I have. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program and raising my little sister, Hannah, for whom I have guardianship. Despite taking on a paramedic program and raising a teenager as a single parent, I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself. I'm eager to see the person I will become this year and so incredibly happy I made this decision. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. I recently got laid off from my job but being as I’m at the end of my paramedic program, I’ve decided to buckle down and finish both my clinical and field internship. Reading about Maggie’s story felt very familiar, she had a tenacity that rivals what most people are capable of. And that’s exactly how I want to be remembered. One of my mottos is “No need for mercy”. I do not need mercy or pity, only for those in my way to move. That being said, I always appreciate support and help! Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Flathead Valley in Montana, I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I am non-binary and found myself struggling as a child being raised in a religious household with very high gender binaries. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department with my valley's only female fire chief and have continued my career in public service ever since. What I found was a world where I could dress gender neutrally (thank god for tactical pants/shirts) and be taken seriously as a person, those first few years a grew so much in confidence and started to explore myself. During my first two years, I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low-income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands-on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long-term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for the multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop care paths. I also was one of the first CHWs in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, to do the best with the time I have. Long term, I am interested in pursuing my MED L accreditation for wildland fire deployments. And becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work. I am currently enrolled full-time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program and raising my little sister, Hannah, for whom I have guardianship. Despite taking on a paramedic program and raising a teenager as a single parent, I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself. On 2/21/2023 I made the most exciting part of my journey and had top surgery, I’m excited to see the person I will become this year and so incredibly happy I made this decision. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarahs as I need to live my life to the fullest. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Flathead Valley in Montana and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop the carepaths. I also was one of the first CHW's in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker and CHW Behavioral Health technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, do the most good with the time I have. Long term, I am interested in pursuing my MED L accreditation for wildland fire deployments. And becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work. I am currently enrolled full time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program and raising my little sister, Hannah, for whom I have guardianship. Despite taking on a paramedic program and raising a teenager as a single parent, I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarah’s as I need to in order to live my life to the fullest. Reading about Curtis's story inspired me, especially his desire to create change and that one person could make such an impact in their career. He reminds me of the power each person holds, the ability to make someone's day or change their life forever. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

Hello, My name is Sarah. I'm currently living in the wonderful Flathead Valley in Montana and enjoying all the beauty that the mountains have to offer. I am deeply connected to nature and have a wild passion for being alive and seeing every adversity as an incredible learning opportunity. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young, I was an avid student and immediately found myself learning best through teaching others. During my first two years I was a guest instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For Disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low income/rural neighborhoods in both New York and Oregon. As two attempts for funding at SVFD failed to pass, I chose to adapt and alter my career path to try something new. For two years I worked at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health, while still volunteering as a Firefighter/EMT at Smith Valley Fire. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America. Working hands on with patients who often suffer from chronic and long term illnesses, which have them in and out of the hospital, showed me the other side of EMS— what happens after we transfer care to the ER. My next project was co-collaboration in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. My time on that project increased my leadership capacity by multitudes as I worked with teams across the US to develop the carepaths. I also was one of the first CHW's in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker and CHW Behavioral Health technical certifications through Montana State University. My goal was and has always been, do the most good with the time I have. Long term, I am interested in pursuing my MED L accreditation for wildland fire deployments. And becoming a critical care paramedic to do overseas volunteer work. I am currently enrolled full time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program and raising my little sister, Hannah, for whom I have guardianship. Despite taking on a paramedic program and raising a teenager as a single parent, I am so incredibly thrilled to be pursuing higher education and a deeper understanding of the human body. I also find that I thrive on challenges, on the moments when it seems as though there is no way forward, and I get to meet the newest version of myself as I walk through those trials. I’m excited to see the person I will become this year. And I’m ready to live my life becoming as many different Sarah’s as I need to in order to live my life to the fullest. Reading about Curtis's story inspired me, especially his desire to create change and that one person could make such an impact in their career. He reminds me of the power each person holds, the ability to make someone's day or change their life forever. Thank you for considering my application and taking the time to read my story. I am honored. Sincerely, Sarah Gilbert

I want to start off by offering that I am currently no longer serving in my role as a volunteer FF/EMT. Attached is my ID, I served on Smith Valley Fire Department for five years, I recently had to step down after being unable to financially support myself in that role and go through school at the same time. I also am currently raising my little sister after having to take guardianship of her as well. I do plan on returning to a department but as a Paramedic/Firefighter after I graduate my program! I loved volunteering because of the unique opportunities it presented to me, to be a part of a team and have pride, to grown and learn, and most of all, help others in their time of need. Starting out at the fire department made me fall in love with public service and I'm incredibly excited to be pursing my paramedic licensing as a way to be an even better provider. Thank you!

Being smart with my money but not being afraid to live a good life as well!

Hello, my name is Sarah. I started my career at eighteen as a Firefighter/EMT at a local rural fire department and have continued my career in public service ever since. Starting that young I was in love education and during my first two years was an adjunct instructor for the Flathead County Fire Academy, for which I am a graduate. I obtained certifications for firefighter 1, basic wildland firefighter, ice rescue, engine operations, low angle rescue, and most recently, vaccine administration from the Center For disease Control during my response to the COVID-19 pandemic in low income/rural neighborhoods. For two years I worked also at the local hospital as a Community Health Worker for a startup program in Population Health. During my time there I participated in a PCORI (or Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute) grant-funded CHW focus group for building capacity to break down barriers to Complex Care in rural America and was a co-collaborator in a Vizient MVP Collaborative for a national-based development of care pathways for multi-visit patient syndrome. I also was one of the first CHW's in Montana to complete the new Community Health Worker & CHW Behavioral Health technical certifications through Montana State University. I am currently enrolled full time with National Medical Education & Training Center in the paramedic program and raising my little sister, Hannah, for whom I have guardianship. I plan on continuing to give back to my community by serving those experiencing medical and trauma emergencies, this time with a higher level of care as a paramedic. Community paramedicine is of great interest to me as well, considering my background in population health I feel I would transition very naturally into the role and be able to help patients with preventative care- helping to keep them from needing to call 911 I the first place.