The Personal Impacts of Volunteering by Emily

The Personal Impacts of Volunteering by Emily - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

As a freshman beginning high school, I was asked which career academy I desired to enroll in for the duration of my high school years. This question was tough for me because, at the time, I did not know what career I desired to pursue. However, coming from a family of nurses and having been exposed to health care, I decided to enroll in the Health Science Academy. Shortly after beginning this academy I realized I enjoyed health care. I have always had a great passion for helping others. What better way to help others than to heal them or save their life?
During my junior year of high school, I was given the opportunity to take an Emergency Medical Responder class. My instructors for this course were firemen from the local fire department. The course was very interactive, allowing me plenty of hands on experience and allowing me to become very close with my instructors. While taking this course, I immediately fell in love with emergency medicine and longed to do anything possible to receive more experience. I, along with three of my friends, began asking if we could gain additional experience through volunteering at the Gulf Shores Fire Department. The head instructor of my class, Ron West, was inspired by our interest and went through the trouble to make it possible for us to intern at the Gulf Shores Fire Department.
Through this class and the help of my instructors I was invited to intern at the local fire department. My friends and I would go to the station during our internship class at school, planning to leave when school ends around 3:00 PM, but often staying until approximately 5:30 PM because we wanted to stay as long as possible. Along with interning during the weekdays, I also volunteered at the station to help work different events throughout the community, such as the Gulf Shores Mardi Gras Parade. While at the fire station, I helped with anything they would allow me to. For the most part I helped finish work around the station: washed fire trucks, cleaned floors, and assisted with inventory. However, when the station received a call I would ride with them to the scene. Once we arrived on scene, I aided with anything I could. This often consisted of helping strap a patient to a backboard, carrying equipment, relaying information, and even simply observing to retain information.
Through volunteering at the Gulf Shores Fire Department I have had the unforgettable experience of serving others. Every time I had the opportunity to attend a call with the firemen I was able to help someone. One member of the staff at the Gulf Shores Fire Department once told me that my friends and I “bring life into the department.” She claimed the station is often dull and lifeless, but when my friends and I are around the station it becomes full of life again. This experience allows me to give back to my local community through lending a helping hand to others in need and bringing a breath of fresh air into the fire station.
Having the opportunity to volunteer at the Gulf Shores Fire Department has been very humbling for me as a young individual. It has allowed me to meet, and form relationships with many individuals whom I consider role models. It has also allowed me to view my community from a different perspective, showing me the less fortunate side of my community and enabling me to realize how incredibly blessed I am. Volunteering at the Gulf Shores Fire Department has also helped me realize that one should treasure what he/she has because everything can be gone in a split second.
I have received a great amount of hands-on experience through this volunteer opportunity, helping me see my passion for directly helping others. My volunteer experience at the Gulf Shores Fire Department has greatly impacted me, helping me decide that I want to pursue a career in nursing. I am currently attending Belhaven University, where I can pursue a career in nursing. After earning my nursing degree, I desire to study to become an Emergency Room Nurse Practitioner. Once I have reached these goals I plan to return to Gulf Shores, where I can give back to my local community and those who have helped me get where I am today.