Thank You

batgirl · 09-08-2011, 01:57 PM

Dear everyone at NPF,

I've been on a long and arduous journey this last year and now that it's finally over I am able to sit back and reflect on the whole long ordeal. I wouldn't call it anything else other than an ordeal or perhaps a marathon, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

For the last 7 years I have been affiliated with Emergency Services as an EMT. Even after graduating college and getting a completely non-medical degree it was still a part of my life. At first, it was just a job, almost a hobby. I never intended to make it my career honestly, but as time wore on, I grew to love it. I also grew to realize that I was good at what I did. The level I was at was not what I wanted though, I wanted to be able to do more. I entered paramedic school to become a better care taker, a better patient advocate and a better person.

Although it was a hellish 11 months, it was also some of the most enriching I've ever been through. I learned a lot, grew as a person (I never thought I could do that anymore) and made life long friendships. I also got my ass handed to me regularly, cried a lot and frequently did not want to leave my room for fear of just what kind of day I had in front of me. I would pull 48 hour stretches at a time awake and want to kill myself afterwards. Many times I asked myself if it was worth it, and the answer was always yes.

So why am I making this thread? Why am I bothering you all with this (granted I'm sure most of you have stopped reading)?

My parents live in another state far away from New York, my communication is infrequent with them just due to my work schedule and theirs. My sister who lives with me is on an opposite schedule than I, so I barely see her as well. My boyfriend is in medical school also in another state, with his hours our communication is regular but often short.

The one constant thing I've had (I swear this is not a joke at all) is NPF. You all got me through this. Every time I would post the most minor thing in the announcements, you all would congratulate me. I would post about some of my feelings and calls, and you all would have such nice things to say. You would remind me that what I was doing was important and awesome.

I feel like you guys should have a piece of my happiness, because you all supported me for the entire trip. I can't send you all presents (I wish I could, but paramedics are poor, just less poor than EMTs), but I can tell you all, form the bottom of my heart: Thank you.

Ariella aka Batgirl
New York State EMT-Paramedic
New York City EMT-Paramedic
Lifelong NPFer and friend

09-08-2011, 01:57 PM	#1
batgirl Aim for the top! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: The Infield Posts: 2,583	Thank You Dear everyone at NPF, I've been on a long and arduous journey this last year and now that it's finally over I am able to sit back and reflect on the whole long ordeal. I wouldn't call it anything else other than an ordeal or perhaps a marathon, but I wouldn't change it for the world. For the last 7 years I have been affiliated with Emergency Services as an EMT. Even after graduating college and getting a completely non-medical degree it was still a part of my life. At first, it was just a job, almost a hobby. I never intended to make it my career honestly, but as time wore on, I grew to love it. I also grew to realize that I was good at what I did. The level I was at was not what I wanted though, I wanted to be able to do more. I entered paramedic school to become a better care taker, a better patient advocate and a better person. Although it was a hellish 11 months, it was also some of the most enriching I've ever been through. I learned a lot, grew as a person (I never thought I could do that anymore) and made life long friendships. I also got my ass handed to me regularly, cried a lot and frequently did not want to leave my room for fear of just what kind of day I had in front of me. I would pull 48 hour stretches at a time awake and want to kill myself afterwards. Many times I asked myself if it was worth it, and the answer was always yes. So why am I making this thread? Why am I bothering you all with this (granted I'm sure most of you have stopped reading)? My parents live in another state far away from New York, my communication is infrequent with them just due to my work schedule and theirs. My sister who lives with me is on an opposite schedule than I, so I barely see her as well. My boyfriend is in medical school also in another state, with his hours our communication is regular but often short. The one constant thing I've had (I swear this is not a joke at all) is NPF. You all got me through this. Every time I would post the most minor thing in the announcements, you all would congratulate me. I would post about some of my feelings and calls, and you all would have such nice things to say. You would remind me that what I was doing was important and awesome. I feel like you guys should have a piece of my happiness, because you all supported me for the entire trip. I can't send you all presents (I wish I could, but paramedics are poor, just less poor than EMTs), but I can tell you all, form the bottom of my heart: Thank you. Ariella aka Batgirl New York State EMT-Paramedic New York City EMT-Paramedic Lifelong NPFer and friend