Help Jen become a Paramedic!

Hello! 

Thanks for taking the time to read this plea- you've already helped to raise my spirits by simply viewing this page. So here's the deal.

I was going to a University for one sort of medical career, and had to take a year off due to medical and financial issues. I have decided to attend a local college on my time off for a small program (8 credits) in the Spring. This program will help to certify me as an Emergency Medical Technician on a national scale. I already volunteer for the city as a volunteer medic and medical crew member, but laws have changed and I need to be certified. I have decided that I want to become a paramedic, which has been a lifelong dream of mine. Both of my parents were paramedics, and I would like to do them proud. Long story short, I am trying to fund my classes for EMT and paramedic training so I can further help my community. I aim to go to paramedic school and become a Flight for Life flight medic, and specialize in pediatric or adult traumas. I want to save lives.

The problem: When you take a year off from a large university, even for medical and financial reasons, they bar you from receiving federal loans and scholarships during that year. I am essentially not allowed to pursue an education beyond their gates during the entirety of my stay at that University. Since I am trying to take one class at a local community college, I will not be allowed to receive any Financial Aid to attend this college. My family has been put through the ringer with medical issues, and this is the first year that I personally have not had to stay in the hospital for an extended procedure. Because of this constant strain, my family is unable to help me pay for schooling. The only current option I have is to cash in the only life insurance policy I will be able to get at the moment. I have a chronic, pre-existing condition that has caused several insurance companies to turn a blind eye to my case. I will not be able to receive life insurance because of this, and I would hate to devestate my family by pulling it for a little cash.

About me: I work over time and holidays (Christmas, Thanksgiving, you name it!) to pay for living expenses and medical bills. I give the rest of my free time to a not for profit organization, where I am the digital administrator (the organization is primarily digital, so I have a LOT of work to do each day when I get home from my paying job). This is purely volunteer work, so I am not paid for any time spent working with this group; and that's okay with me. The organization I work with emplores strangers to write encouraging letters to other strangers that REALLY need an uplifting word- so I'm definitely fond of snail mail! I prefer to volunteer my time to help others and do something I love than have free time! I also volunteer with the local medical teams as a medic at public events, marathons, and local school functions. This is also an unpaid venture. I do community service when time permits, and I thoroughly enjoy connecting with all sorts of people. I earn minimum wage in my paying job (barista), so I usually don't have enough money outside of living expenses, gas, utilities, etc. I love my job and wouldn't trade it for anything, which is a little bit hard to come to terms with when I'm trying to fund my education. 

What you can do to help: Any little bit will go a long way. Even course required textbooks and uniforms (EMT clinical uniforms are required) can be expensive, and I would put any money I receive towards those, as well. By funding my class, you will help me to help my community stay safe and healthy. I will continue to be able to volunteer my time, as well as be certified to work with a local Police/Fire Department as an EMT. In the next year, I will be registering for a 2-year Paramedic program, and will be able to help any community I step into as a constant medical associate for the city. I hope to save lives, and you can help me. 

A final word: Thank you SO much for even considering me for a donation. You have a beautiful heart, and I hope that you are able to change someone's life with a small donation if you feel that my cause isn't the right one for you. Someone somewhere always deserves a little boost! Have an awesome day!