Q) What does Hispanic Heritage Month and National HSI Week mean to you?
Growing up in a Hispanic family, Hispanic Heritage Month brings me back to memories I made from a young age. Being the second generation in the United States and having all my family in Mexico, this month brings back feelings, smells, tastes, gatherings and memories from my family. It also brings a sense of pride of seeing others, like me, be so successful in this country.
Q) How do you feel like you impact the Hispanic community with the work you are doing?
I feel like I impact the Hispanic community in a positive way. Although we usually get called out for life or death situations, sometimes we also get called out for little problems. Being able to communicate and relate your problem can sometimes help make your situation go a little smoother. In times where we get called out and I see and hear that they are Spanish speaking, I can also see the fear they have because they know they will not be able to clearly explain their situation. When I step in and start to speak to them and relating with them, I can feel a sense of calm coming over them. Even though they might be having a bad day, just being able to speak with someone can really help to improve their situation. I love being able to be there for them, when they need help the most and make their days a little better. Even if it’s just cracking a couple of jokes with them.
Q) How has your Hispanic heritage or culture shaped your life and who you are?
I feel like my Hispanic culture has shaped my life in the form of being a hard worker in everything that I do. My dad came from a farming family so hard work was always a day to day thing. As my sisters and I were growing up, he instilled that in us from a very young age. Till this day, my grandparents still work out in the farm back in Mexico and it makes me feel proud to be able to show them that I was able to achieve my dream career and that I am giving it my all, every time I show up on shift.
Q) What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
The biggest challenge I had to over come was having to go to school when I was younger and not speaking the language. Because my parents were from Mexico, I grew up speaking Spanish and did not learn English until I went to school. I remember how scared and shy I was to go everyday and spend time with kids I couldn’t understand. But because I had teachers that wanted me to do better and learn, and the positivity of my parents, I was able to learn the language really well and at the same time, keep my Spanish speaking, reading and writing abilities. I never thought I would be able to use it as much as I do in my career, but like my parents always told us, "speaking another language is going to help you in your job one day, you will see”.
Q) What is something you feel people should be more aware of?
What I think people should be more aware of is that what makes this country so great, is it’s diversity. It doesn’t matter where you were born or where your family may come from, everyone has different skills, abilities, traditions, goals etc. that if we all just worked together, we could make huge changes in this world in a positive way.
Q) What advice would you give to Hispanic students currently enrolled in the same program that you were in?
The advice I would give to Hispanic students pursuing a career as an EMT is to be the best student of the craft that you can be. EMT’s/ first responders play a very important role in the community. We sometimes need to be able to make life or death decisions and being able to make those decisions more confidently comes from knowing your craft. If you don't understand, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be the first to volunteer. Confidence is built from doing things over and over and getting better at them. Only way you get to go more often is by volunteering to go. Trust me, being able to get rid of your nervousness when you are practicing is much easier than doing it when the call comes. This is probably the biggest one. Remember you are always being watched. The ones that ask the questions, go first all the time, show up before everyone and leave after everyone has left, show interest in the class and don’t just pull their phones out every couple of minutes, try to make others better and by helping your peers, are the ones that stand out. And they will be remembered. Pretty much all the instructors work in the field and we are always looking for good people that show interest in the craft. If you stand out, we will remember you and we always talk with other people in the field and make sure they get the help they need to reach their goals. Stand out and you will be seen and remembered, good or bad.