I Like to Try New Things
When I was 16 I was thinking about something that I could do to help the community out a little. Firefighting seemed like it would be a pretty cool thing to try out. Since it was during the summer at the time I looked to see if any nearby fire department was accepting volunteers. I live in a pretty big city so they weren't accepting volunteers. I didn't know much about firefighting at the time, so I didn't know it took a lot of book work and had training similar to the police academy. I also didn't know about the Learning for Life Career Explorer program at the time, or I would have joined a Cadet program.
That same year I found out about this police explorer program my police department had. I thought it looked pretty cool so I went ahead and tried it out. I am still in it and I somewhat enjoy it. I don't enjoy it now as much as I used too, but at least I can say I do something outside of work and school. I think rescue may be better suited for me than law enforcement, but I am still seeing what's better for me.
When I turned 17 and started my Junior year of high school I was able to take a fire training course through my high school. Instead of going to the first 4 periods at my regular high school, I would go to a career center and take fire and rescue training. That is when I found out it had a lot of book work, was strict, and was extremely physically demanding. I struggled at some points both physically and academically, but I enjoyed it. I actually learned something during high school that was useful. I just have to take 2 more tests and then I will be certified. Many people don't know much about firefighters, but their job can be extremely difficult and stressful at times. They do a lot more than simply spray water on fires. Searching a hot room that is completely black can be difficult and stressful, at least for me it was. It's even worse when you're running low on air. That fire gear is heavy and hot by the way.
This year (my senior year) I am taking an Emergency Medical Services class. It is a lot of book work, but I know everything i'm learning is useful and could maybe one day save someone's life. We are only about 4 weeks in so I have only learned the basics such as CPR, First Aid, etc. Later in the school year our instructors will have us help around in Emergency rooms and ambulances. I'm really eager to go out there on ambulance runs. All firefighters are required to have EMT training.
I feel like most of the stuff we learn in school is nothing but a bunch of useless information and we'll never remember nor use after we graduate. I'm glad I get to learn stuff that I can carry out into the real world and help people with.
That same year I found out about this police explorer program my police department had. I thought it looked pretty cool so I went ahead and tried it out. I am still in it and I somewhat enjoy it. I don't enjoy it now as much as I used too, but at least I can say I do something outside of work and school. I think rescue may be better suited for me than law enforcement, but I am still seeing what's better for me.
When I turned 17 and started my Junior year of high school I was able to take a fire training course through my high school. Instead of going to the first 4 periods at my regular high school, I would go to a career center and take fire and rescue training. That is when I found out it had a lot of book work, was strict, and was extremely physically demanding. I struggled at some points both physically and academically, but I enjoyed it. I actually learned something during high school that was useful. I just have to take 2 more tests and then I will be certified. Many people don't know much about firefighters, but their job can be extremely difficult and stressful at times. They do a lot more than simply spray water on fires. Searching a hot room that is completely black can be difficult and stressful, at least for me it was. It's even worse when you're running low on air. That fire gear is heavy and hot by the way.
This year (my senior year) I am taking an Emergency Medical Services class. It is a lot of book work, but I know everything i'm learning is useful and could maybe one day save someone's life. We are only about 4 weeks in so I have only learned the basics such as CPR, First Aid, etc. Later in the school year our instructors will have us help around in Emergency rooms and ambulances. I'm really eager to go out there on ambulance runs. All firefighters are required to have EMT training.
I feel like most of the stuff we learn in school is nothing but a bunch of useless information and we'll never remember nor use after we graduate. I'm glad I get to learn stuff that I can carry out into the real world and help people with.
26-30, M
