For some students, working part-time and being a full-time student takes on a whole new meaning. This is the case for senior Lyndee Wonders and junior David Grumhaus, among others.
Wonders has been working for the Addison Fire Department, since July 2014.
She completed her EMT-B, a four-month Basic Level Emergency Medical Technician class, and Fire 1 and 2 certifications, a six-month fire academy training.
In addition to responding to emergency calls and filling out reports for them, Wonders completes 36 hours of fire training annually, logs 30-45 hours of EMS training every three years, and attends monthly fire department training. She works as a level-two firefighter and part-time EMT on the ambulance.
Wonders’ original interest in working as an EMT eventually led to becoming a firefighter.
Her plan is to enroll in a paramedic course in preparation for a fire and EMS career after graduation.
“I love serving my community and helping people in their time of need,” Wonders said.
Grumhaus is a part-time firefighter and EMT for Hillsdale City Fire Department, as well as a part-time EMT for Reading Emergency Unit. His duties include responding to fire calls for the fire department, answering medical emergencies, helping with interfacility transfers for the Reading Emergency Unit, and standing by at special events.
“I love the adrenaline rush, but I also like helping people and the brotherhood,” Grumhaus said. “We always got each other’s backs.”
Their leadership also genuinely cares for them. “We’re not just another body to them,” Grumhaus added.
After graduation, Grumhaus said he dreams of pursuing federal law enforcement with the FBI. He said he’s planning on going to paramedic school, then police academy, and hopes to graduate to the federal level after staying and working in Hillsdale for two to four years.
Wonders and Grumhaus both said they enjoy helping people in need and serving the community. Grumhaus reinforced how much he values being able to help others.
“It’s a good feeling knowing that you made a difference, knowing you helped someone,” he said.
Another student also hopes to be making a difference soon. Sophomore Chad Schiller is enrolled in an EMT class this school year at the Reading Emergency Unit’s training center. The four-hour class will last the whole school year.
“By the end of the class, we will take the national registry exam to become certified emergency medical technicians,” he said in an email.
The class teaches students how to care for patients in various medical emergencies.
“One of the things I really like about the class is the sense that we are going to be making a difference,” Schiller said.
He does not currently work for a department, but mentioned he’d like to work for Hillsdale’s Fire Department.
“I am currently planning on working with Reading Emergency Unit once I am a certified EMT,” Schiller said.
He said he’s not sure what he wants to do after graduation but is considering military or law enforcement.
Until then, these students strive to find a balance between their busy work schedule and their academics.
“Don’t procrastinate, learn to manage your time well, and don’t neglect your friends and family,” Grumhaus said.
All three students emphasized the importance of not procrastinating. Wonders said she struggled with procrastination at first, but soon realized how important it is to begin working on assignments when she first receives them. Between working sometimes crazy shifts and schoolwork, each of them have learned to manage their time wisely. Schiller said even little things help, like simply studying during meals.
