My Future

I remember a time where everything was carefree. Where there were no higher expectations for me to meet, a time where I was able to see the pure innocence and simplicity of life. This is not the life I currently reflect, but one I see play out in the eyes of my younger siblings. As one ages into a level of maturity in which they must carefully analyze and contemplate their current decisions and steps to achieve their ambitious future, one begins to lose their sense of innocence. When I look into my future, I see a confident young woman who is helping others in every way she can. It was last year that I knew that I wanted to join the emergency services, but which department? Police. Fire. Paramedic. Military. Each of these careers serve others when they need it the most, see people at their worst, and help them in no matter their situation. These public servants put their lives on the line each and every day to serve others and protect society. As the months passed, I researched each department for the skills required, post secondary education, and most importantly, the stories of those working their dream job helping others. Each story I came to spoke about the grit it takes to work in the line of duty, the emotional and physical strength to see the worst of society day in and day out. There is a reason why the rates of suicide and PTSD are so high in individuals who work these careers. These individuals continually see others at their worst, experience the grief of having to tell someone their loved one is dead, and no matter the amount of effort they put into saving a life, sometimes there isn’t much they can do. The people who work these careers see things that the human body should not be seeing on a regular basis, this in turn results in trauma to one’s mental state. Despite the cost, these people love their jobs and would do anything to be out helping others.

Only a few months ago I came to a final conclusion, I was going to become a paramedic. In some ways this eased my parents, for they knew my other alternative was so be a police officer. To set myself up for success, I knew I had to work my butt off to get the grades and experience to get into a respectable school. In every way I can I do research of each school, admission requirements, the best ways to secure a spot in the program. None of these things will guarantee a definite spot, but one can only do their best to achieve their dreams. To work as a paramedic, one’s innocence is no longer present. The optimistic ideals that everything will be ok was taken when one knew they wanted to be apart of this career. To see an individual at their worst while in a medical emergency you can only do as you have been trained and do your very best. Despite their awareness of the pain and suffering of the world, these individuals are often the ones who see the best in others and in society. In every way possible, those who work in the emergency services do their best to see the light in every situation. 

Aware of the cost and work needed to become apart of the emergency services, I know that it is the place for me. The place where I am able to help others and work to improve the world even in the slightest. The loss of innocence is a transition, one that allows for an individual to become apart of something greater, given the opportunity. Being a part of the emergency services is my true dream, and I can’t wait for the days to come. 

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6 thoughts on “My Future

  1. Dear Juleanna,

    It was really nice seeing you express something you desire, and I will admit, I thought it was kind of unique. Being a part of the military services or Police Department is a career path I see few people want to pursue. I encourage you to go through with these dreams: they suit your gentle nature.
    However, there are a few grammatical/structural suggestions you may want to consider. “There is a reason why the rates of suicide and PTSD are so high in individuals who work these careers. Despite the cost, these people love their jobs and would do anything to be out helping others.” If you fail to provide a reason as to why the rates of suicide are high in these types of jobs, then the following phrase becomes too contradicting. “Being apart of the emergency services is my true dream, and I can’t wait for the days to come.” The concluding phrase contains a small error made that is easy to make: it is “a part” rather than “apart”. The term “apart” would be used to distinguish two concepts, or it could be used as a synonym for separation. For example, “I will tear this paper apart”.
    Overall, you expressed your interest in this career path, allowing me to know more about you, and I thank you for sharing that. I look forward to reading more of your work.

    Sincerely,

    Naomi

    1. Naomi,

      Thank you for your amazing feedback! This piece was less planned and more of me writing what has been sitting in the back of mind for the last couple of months, waiting to be told. This career is not an easy one, so I thank you for your generous support!

      With lots of love,
      Juleanna

  2. Dear Juleanna,

    Thank you for sharing your passions. It is so cool so see someone so determined to live a lifestyle that saves lives on the regular. The world needs more people like you, Juleanna. I love that you were very thorough in your research. You did your homework on each career you were interested in and it shows in your writing. Although I believe this is a free choice, I believe that you could use the themes of action, motivation, loss of innocence, growth and commitment, that I felt in your writing and store it in the back of your mind for future writing. I think Hunni calls them breadcrumbs or nuggets or something like that. If you ever come across a prompt that you can relate to with your story and commitment to these careers, I would highly recommend writing about it. I agree with Naomi, I do think there were some grammatical errors in your writing, so sometimes it’s best to have a peer editor or even just step away from your writing for a bit and then come back to it later and read it out loud.

    Love Always,
    Petrina

    1. Petrina,

      Thank you for your kind words and amazing support, it has brought a smile upon my face. I will definitely carry breadcrumbs into my future writing, and I appreciate your insight as to how I can improve this piece. Thank you!

      With lots of love,
      Juleanna

  3. Dear Juleanna,
    Congratulations on your decision to become a paramedic. Now you can focus and your stress levels have gone down. Nice job with your formatting, the split from uncertainty to something grounded was nicely organized. Your use of themes was good and you were consistent with there appearance.
    One thing I noticed was your overuse of worst. It shows up quit a bit and like Mr.Smitham says, once you notice they just copy-pasted, it distracts. While this is not an image composition, you used the word “their worst” three times in your overall thing and it really stood out to me. Maybe rephrase.
    As you become a paramedic, all I can say is you are right to say you will lose innocence because you could come across lots of gory scenes. I hope you don’t get any of those consequences you mentioned.
    Sincerely, IB.

    1. Ib,

      Thank you for your generous support in my choice of becoming a first responder! I will definitely be more aware of my word choice and other details when writing. Thanks for the advice!

      Sincerely,
      Juleanna

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