Here's hoping there's money for college in here somewhere... I love you, Lo.
"I pull my team from the front, instead of pushing from the back. In my line of work, the ability to think on your feet and make the right decision can mean the difference between life and death." (Laura Fagen on teamwork and leadership)
My sister Laura, though four years younger than I, has been role model for me in many ways. At three years old, she had packed her lunchbox and was ready to join her big sister at school; now, at seventeen, she packs her medical bag and prepares daily to respond to emergencies, fight fires, and save lives. Last Christmas, a woman was hit by a car outside our home late at night. Laura responded in seconds: flying up the stairs to grab her bag, assessing and treating the victim’s injuries, and staying on the scene until the paramedics had come and gone. She is always ready to seize an opportunity to help.
Five years ago, at age 12, Laura became a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Her love of flying drew her to CAP, but search and rescue stole her heart. Laura trained in radio operation, flight, ground search, medical aid, and emergency leadership; she became the squad medic and gained responsibility for other cadets as she rose in rank. Her involvement with CAP led Laura to the Enfield, Connecticut Volunteer Fire Department. The more Laura has learned, the more focused she has become on a career in emergency services; she plans to use her training in Emergency Management, which she will pursue at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Laura recently trained at the Connecticut Fire Academy, and is counting down the days until she is of age to work toward her EMT certification. She relentlessly pursues these goals, spending her free time studying, practicing, and instructing in her areas of expertise.
Though she is one of only three women in a fire department of 50, Laura is trusted and capable – a commanding presence at the station and on the fire scene. She is frequently one of the few women in the traditionally male fields of military, medical, and fire rescue operations. She constantly strives to bring more women into the fire department and CAP. Setting an example of leadership and integrity, Laura’s tenacity and achievement engender respect from superiors and subordinates alike.
While she serves the larger community through her work in the CAP and the fire department, Laura is dedicated to her immediate community as well. She uses her technical skills improving and maintaining homes with the Americares Homefront organization, aiding her elderly and physically challenged neighbors. Even with her active involvement in the St. Patrick’s Church youth group and her job as a community lifeguard, Laura maintains her grades in honors and AP classes and will graduate this year from Cathedral High School in Springfield, Massachussets.
Possessed of clear vision, strength of character, a pioneering spirit, and dedication to her community, Laura Fagen is the embodiment of today’s
Total Woman.
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Now paging through
News from Nowhere, found via
Mike - a random happen-upon from Blogger's recently-updated list. Also reading
J. Sunshine because of shewhomIknewas
Erendira and it's light grey and misty, sad Rochester weather. Dingy drippy dirty. Where is my tropical storm? Maybe this weekend. Maybe sunshine. Maybe not.
