In August 2022, I achieved a significant milestone in my life: I became a certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in New York City. For many, this might seem like an unusual path, especially given that my primary background is in engineering. But for me, this journey is deeply personal and intertwined with my family’s history and my own aspirations.
Two years prior, in August 2020, I lost my father to COVID-19. He was a dedicated doctor, and throughout my life, he often expressed his wish for me to follow in his footsteps. While my heart found its calling in engineering, earning my Master’s degree and diving into a full-time job, the loss of my father reignited a dormant desire. I yearned to understand medicine, if not to become a doctor, then at least to gain some insight into the human body and the world my father so passionately served.
Juggling a demanding engineering job while pursuing an EMT certification was no easy feat. The transition from solving engineering problems to understanding medical emergencies was a stark contrast, but my determination kept me going. I also had some help with a few friends I made along the way.
Now, I find myself in paramedic school, a step further into the world of medicine. Admittedly, it’s been a challenging experience. Balancing the rigors of paramedic training with my engineering job feels like walking a tightrope. My days are long, often stretching into the night, as I switch gears from my daytime responsibilities to evening classes. But every evening, as I dive into my classes, I’m reminded of my father’s legacy and the bridge I’m building between two seemingly disparate worlds & the countless problems that can be solved.
In many ways, this journey is a tribute to my father and his dreams for me. It’s also a testament to the human spirit’s ability to adapt, learn, and grow. While the road ahead is uncertain, and my paramedic classes continue to test my resilience, I remain buoyed by hope and determination. After all, life is about embracing challenges, pursuing passions, and honoring the memories of those we hold dear.
On some days, I find myself wondering, “Why am I on this path? Why go through this pain? What’s the point?” But then I remember my father’s words: “When we have the means, it’s our moral duty to help others.” There are moments when giving up seems like the easier choice, but I remind myself to take things one day at a time.
