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An Academy's Daunting Challenge

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Kristen Winters

Kristen Winters started her EMS career in 2003. In 2005-2006 she attended paramedic school at St Joseph Hospital in Elgin, Illinois. After a 2-year stint of being a paramedic in the near west suburbs of Chicago, she transferred closer to home to be closer to her family. Kristen got hired part-time by Lakewood Fire Department. She attended the fire academy at McHenry County College. She does work full-time at another department, however still maintains her part-time status as a fire medic at LFD. - Add Kristen Winters as a Friend on FireLink

More articles from this author:

• What Is Your Worst Call?
• An Honest Discussion: Dangers of Being a Female First Responder
• Female Firefighters: Fighting for Their Place in Fire & Rescue

I watched most of my peers go. I kept raging an inner battle with my psyche, wanting my confidence to win. No one else had a problem, there was no way I was going to be the first.

I walked over to the engine, and pulled off the ladder. Quite a feat, since I couldn’t feel my hands. I grunted as I put the ladder up on my shoulder. I trudged through the deep snow, got to the tower, and threw that ladder down like it was an ex-boyfriend. I raised the fly section as high as I needed to go, tied my halyard, and gave a triumphant shout. Ladder, zero. Kristen, one.

Moral of the story? I never should have doubted myself. I never would have earned my spot at the academy if the powers-that-be didn’t think I could do it. I tried to keep my self doubt at bay after that. Try to do the same. You will enjoy you probationary period, and learn more, if you do.

Read Kristen’s Next Article: “I’m a Firefighter” – The Double Standard