Norwin High School
Senior? Yes
Elite top 100? Yes
Letters of recommendation: Letter of Recommendation 1, Letter of Recommendation 2
My parents and grandparents have always been my biggest role models, teaching me the importance of pure kindness and helping others. They have paved a path that I now walk, instilling in me their pure morals. It is through their emanating warmth within volunteerism and community service, that I too have a calling to offer my compassion to others.
My grandmother, in particular, made the biggest impact on me. Family, friends, and the community always came before her needs or wants. The sweet aroma of her famous banana bread would linger in the house because she was always baking for numerous fundraising bake sales. She would take me along as she volunteered at our local food pantry, often bringing her own vegetables that she grew in her garden. My grandma made me feel so special and loved, and her caring spirit was addictive to anyone around her. Although, she never let on that her physical ailments were starting to take a toll on her body and mind. One day, while alone with my grandma, she had a severe stroke. Shaking uncontrollably, I cradled her while calling 911. I tried to calm her while the paramedics where in route, but I felt helpless not knowing how to help the most meaningful person in my life. The EMTs immediately stepped in, providing her with the care and comfort she needed, while transporting her to the hospital. This early experience allowed me to see a medical crisis from a patient and a loved one’s perspective. I will never forget the fear in my grandma’s eyes, and the urge that it lit beneath me to bring relief to others in times of desperation.
This is my calling, to help others in their time of medical need. Because of this, I started volunteering at my local EMS Rescue 8, the very same squad that helped my grandmother. To date, I have volunteered for 10 months with over 120 hours served and 27 patient calls.
I help these strangers knowing that I’m making a difference in their day. When calming them in the back of the ambulance, I think about their families and loved ones and connect how important each life is. Just knowing these people for a few desperate minutes, I feel connected to them. I am also trained in taking vitals, administering an AED, performing CPR, and tending to wound care. I am trying to treat each patient with great care, as if they were my grandmother.
Standing tall on the shoulders of my family, I will use their influence to show that volunteerism is a way of life for me. This fall I will be attending The Ohio State University, majoring in Pre Med. I have already contacted MedCare Ambulance service in Columbus to volunteer. Helping others is built into my character and it will extend into my career, community service projects, and one day I will pass it down to my own children.
