What career will you choose to do for the rest of your life? There are thousands of different career fields in the world but at the end of the day, we can only choose one. It is one of the most difficult decisions people are forced to make as they are entering adulthood. Each person has different factors that they consider when deciding on a career path. For me, it is imperative that I find a career that is not only mentally challenging, but fulfills my passion to help others. These key factors have led me to pursue a degree in Radiologic Technology. My altruistic concern for the wellbeing of others has led me towards a career in science and medicine. This passion started at the age of 16 when I became a volunteer firefighter. That rewarding feeling of making a difference in someone’s life inspired me to choose a career that could provide me with that same feeling. I constantly searched to find other ways to aid those in need, so at the age of 18, I completed and successfully passed my New York State EMT-B certification. I enjoy being relied on by my patients and being there for them in some of their worst moments. Now, I am looking to further myself in a different medical profession. Radiologic Technology is a career full of growth and new opportunities. It is a fast-paced and mentally challenging career. These technologists handle dozens of cases on their shift. Each case is uniquely different because every patient is different. Not every case is “routine” and may require problem solving skills and to come up with different solutions to achieve the best results for their patients. As a firefighter, I considerably enjoy the challenge of being innovative and I enjoy not knowing what scenarios I may encounter. Furthermore, as the 1st Assistant Chief of my Fire Department (second highest ranking officer of the entire department), I am constantly facing different complexities on my scenes. There are always new obstacles that I must overcome. Having a medical background and currently working in the Diagnostic Radiology Department as a Medical Imaging Aide has definitely piqued my curiosity to ask questions and attempt to learn as much as possible in hopes of one day completing my degree and obtaining my license as a Radiologic Technologist. Even as a Radiologic Technologist, I don’t have to limit my career just to X-Ray. There are plenty of different modalities to expand into allowing me to further myself in my career to provide other important and necessary diagnostic tests for patients. After I graduate, I want to specifically look for a job working as a pediatric radiologic technologist as I believe my compassionate, patient, and calm nature can help ease children through the x-ray process. As for the future, I am ready for my next challenge starting my Radiologic Technology program and I am excited to see where it will take me.

As a fifth generation firefighter, I chose to volunteer as a firefighter/EMT-B to continue my family’s selfless legacy in the fire service and to serve my community during their most desperate times. For as long as I can remember, I was impatient and ecstatic for my 16th birthday. Not because I could obtain a learner's permit, but because it was the day that I could join my local volunteer fire department and make a difference in my community. Growing up in a household of firefighters, I was always awestruck by the selflessness of my parents and grandparents that I knew I wanted to do the same. As most others that join the fire service would say, I was inspired to join to aid those in need during their darkest and most desperate times. That rewarding feeling of being able to serve your community, save lives, and have a positive impact on others still brings me the utmost joy today. Fast forward into a few years of firefighting and many courses later, I began expanding my horizons and chasing newer challenges like moving up the ranks. The adrenaline and excitement of achieving a newer goal still keeps me going. Leadership roles began and as I was moving up the chain, I realized rather quickly how much I enjoyed being a role model and a mentor for the newer generation of firefighters entering my department. I sought out new ways to better myself not only as a firefighter but as a leader and a role model. One instance that made me determined to be the best leader and role model possible happened during a recruitment and retention detail at a local Walmart. I was 17 years old and had just been promoted to the rank of lieutenant. A 13 year old girl had run over to me and had asked me if I was a real firefighter. I said “of course”. She proceeded to then tell me that she had never seen a “real female firefighter” besides the actors on television. She stated she was told by some of her family members that she could never be a firefighter because she was a girl. She then proceeded to show me her custom shoes that had firefighter emblems all over them and then told me how because of me she wanted more than ever to prove them wrong. I held back the tears in my eyes while I let her try on gear and showed her all the equipment on the trucks. That touching moment will follow me for the rest of my life. As a young female firefighter and being in a department and a county that was predominantly full of male firefighters, I knew from that moment on I wanted to help encourage younger females to join as well. Every detail with children I went to I was always putting on gear to show them that anyone can become a firefighter. Since then, a few other younger women have joined my department and it is an honor to mentor them and help them grow as firefighters and young leaders. Currently, at only 23 years old, I am the 1st Assistant Chief/EMT-B of the Best-Luther Fire Department. I am honored that I am next in line to carry on my father’s legacy as the next and very first female Fire Chief of this very volunteer department that he dedicated his whole life to. On top of my love for my community, I have gained a new passion for watching the younger generation growing up into successful firefighters.