“I’m 29 years old. I work at a private ambulance company. I’m not married, and I have a boyfriend. I’m in a serious relationship. Today, I’m here, participating in the AIDS Walk.
Actually, at my job, one of my coworkers wanted our workplace to do it as a team. So I signed up, figured why not, you know. There really isn’t – like other charities – you don’t have to donate money to participate, but it’s always welcome. So I figured I’d start with $150 donation. I made it, so I got a shirt, so that’s cool. I just figured I’ve never done anything like this – so why not.
I’m a dispatcher. I answer the phone calls that come in, and I dispatch the ambulances to all the calls that come in. I was an EMT first. I worked in an ambulance. And then I cross-trained, transferred. I like the medical field. I’ve always been interested in the medical field, so I figured that’s a good start. I actually want to pursue nursing. So my line of work is a stepping stone.
When I worked in the field as an EMT, I once had to do CPR on a patient. That was pretty intense given that he didn’t survive afterwards. The paramedics picked him up after me. It was pretty intense. Especially because that was the first time I ever did it. You learn how to do it, and there’s not that many situations in my company where you have to do CPR because we are not a 911 company. So for that to happen to me, I had to be quick on your feet and remember what I was supposed to do, and I did.
The job does take a lot of my time because I am a supervisor, but when I’m not there, I just like to lounge to be honest. Be a homebody, be at home – not to say that I’m lazy. I try to do leisurely things. Like go to the beach. I go hiking with my boyfriend and my dog. Go out to dinner with my boyfriend a lot. Try to find little things to do, low-key. I just like to chill out. That’s my thing. I like to watch movies a lot. All kinds! I like film a lot. Favorite movie I would say is probably The Godfather. It’s a good story. It has a little bit of violence, drama, and about family.”
Excerpt may be edited for clarity.