What is your background?: I am from Solon, Iowa, and attended Solon High School. Growing up, I was surrounded by the love and support of my parents and my two older sisters.
What brought you to Kirkwood and why?: I chose to further my education in emergency medical services (EMS) by attending the Paramedic Program at Kirkwood Community College for several compelling reasons. Having already obtained my B.S. from the University of Iowa and completed my EMT and AEMT certifications elsewhere, I was looking for a program that would offer high standards of education and practical experience. Kirkwood stood out to me because of the exceptional quality of its educators and the opportunity to utilize and learn in their state-of-the-art simulation center. The hands-on experience and the expertise of the staff here provide an invaluable learning environment that I believe will prepare me for a successful career as a paramedic.
What is your program of study and what interests you about it?: I am currently in the Paramedic Associate of Applied Science Degree Program. I have always been drawn to high-energy, fast-paced environments, which is why I was drawn to emergency medical services in the first place. Beyond the adrenaline rush, I am deeply committed to advocating for and assisting people during their most vulnerable moments. The opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone’s life when they need it most is incredibly fulfilling to me.
Are you involved in anything else on campus? If so, what and why?: I am unfortunately not involved in any organizations on campus, but I did recently take on a full-time job at Kirkwood in Health Occupations. I am an EMS Specialist and oversee the EMR, EMT, and AEMT programs. My journey in EMS and experience as an AEMT created a strong passion for the field and a desire to educate others about EMS. When I started attending paramedic classes at Kirkwood, I was met by instructors who shared my enthusiasm for EMS and held themselves to high standards of quality education. Their dedication and expertise made it clear that I wanted to be a part of the team. Moreover, my coworkers and everyone in Health Occupations are incredibly understanding and supportive of both my student and staff roles. The college’s commitment to quality education and the support of my colleagues have made this journey incredibly rewarding thus far.
Are you involved in anything off of campus?: Yes, I am involved in activities off-campus as well. I volunteer at Lisbon Mount Vernon Ambulance and work part-time at Monticello Ambulance. These roles allow me to stay actively engaged in the EMS field and continue contributing to my community, which in turn helps make me a better student and educator.
What do you do for fun?: For fun, I enjoy going on walks with my dog and boyfriend, raising houseplants, visiting new coffee shops, and exploring farmers’ markets!
Where do you see yourself in five years?: In five years, I see myself continuing to work in EMS and at Kirkwood, dedicated to providing high-quality education just like my current instructors. My goal is to make sure the next generation of first responders is well-prepared and knowledgeable. I know that at Kirkwood I can look forward to many opportunities for growth and fulfillment, and I am looking forward to the future!