Tyler Arrington John Ashley Daniel August Cameron Avery Kinsey Baker Austin Balbin Jared Balcom Emily Barbour Anna Barnes Zeke Barnes Manuel Barrantes Duarte Jena Bartilson Logan Beasley Delaney Beck Tiffany Beck Brittany Beckloff Marianie Bedolla Jimenez Kaitlin Belitz Charles Bennett Jackson Benson Marie Bentley Joshua Berry Sarah Beshirs Eva Best RILEY FURMAN Freshman nursing major Riley Furman pursued a unique job to occupy her summer and winter breaks from school. Furman became a certified emergency medical technician during her senior year of high school and spent her time at home working with a local hospital through Heyworth Ambulance Service. "I became an EMT because I wanted to be able to help people,'' Furman said. "I have always had a love for being the person [people] would come to, and becoming an EMT just felt natural." Fellow EMT and good friend Katie Kallevig began working with Furman after they took the EMT certification course together February through April. They were some of the youngest enrolled in the course. "Riley's young age has helped her in her job as an EMT," Kallevig said. "She embraces the fact that she is new to the emergency medical services field and learns from everything she does [and] from all of the people she works with." Furman gained experiences that helped her grow as a person and EMT. In the spring, Furman responded to a call regarding an injured firefighter. Still a high school student, Furman observed the more experienced EMTs take charge of the situation. Hours later, Furman and her team heard that the man had passed away from his injuries. "The whole situation was hard for the crew and really changed everyone," Furman said. "Some will never work again because they can't bear to see anything like that happen, and some will use that situation to make them better. I have chosen to have it make me a better person." Katelyn Flora, another EMT and certification course participant, dealt with a similar situation that Furman helped her through. "Riley was not only there for her patients but for other EMTs as well," Flora said. "I had a pretty bad call after she had moved to college. She heard about it and immediately texted me to make sure I was doing okay. After bad calls, you just need someone to vent to, and with Riley I know she truly understood what I was going through." Furman made a great impression on Assistant Professor of Nursing Jeanie Burt. Burt noticed Furman's character and dedicated work ethic. According to Burt, Furman had the qualities necessary for being a good nurse, including a Christ-like attitude, compassion, as well as an ability to manage the extensive demands of the nursing field. In the fall, Furman received a tentative job offer from Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, Ark., to work in the NICU after graduation. While in Searcy, Furman rode along with EMTs to gain further experience until she finished her certification. Furman was thankful for the opportunity to help others while she earned her degree in nursing and worked towards earning her pre-hospital registered nurse certification. "My favorite part of my job is when people smile and thank us after we take them to the hospital," Furman said. "Seeing their smiles is hands down the most rewarding part because for a moment it makes them forget about whatever is going on, and that is the best feeling." Kristina Kiser 163
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