That evening, I received a call that no one ever expects. My friend Brandon was overdosing on ketamine and was unresponsive. His roommate didn’t know what to do and called me via Instagram. Without hesitation, I shot up from my nap, grabbed my Narcan, bolted through the dorm halls, and arrived at his room within a minute. He was drooling, his body limp, and his heart racing. I quickly assessed his pulse, administered the life-saving medication, and stayed by his side until he regained consciousness. Two minutes later, he began to stir and was alert, although disoriented. I helped him into bed, ensuring he stayed on his side to avoid choking, and called for help. My RA called LSU PD and EMTs, who arrived to find Brandon nearly fully coherent. I was in awe of how quickly he had responded to the Narcan, a testament to the power of quick intervention.
That night, I found myself acting as an emergency responder, but I quickly realized just how much responsibility those who perform this work day in and day out shoulder. As I made decisions about Brandon’s care, administered the Narcan, and stayed with him to ensure his safety, I understood, perhaps for the first time, the weight of being the one who people rely on in moments of crisis. It’s a feeling of urgency, but also of deep responsibility to act quickly and correctly. It was humbling to realize that at that moment, I was doing the kind of work that EMTs and paramedics do every day. Saving lives, making life-or-death decisions in real time, and helping people when they need it most.
This experience also reminded me of the critical role first responders play in our society. quick response, combined with deep understanding of the urgency in these scenarios. Me observing how first responders act and applying their characteristics allowed Brandon to survive a situation that could have ended tragically. These first responders didn’t hesitatefor a second when they entered the room; they worked swiftly and calmly, a reminder of the strength and resilience required in their roles.
First responders face immense pressure every day. They are the calm in the storm, the people who must act swiftly, often with limited information, in high-stakes situations. It’s a job that demands not only technical knowledge and skill but also immense emotional intelligence. They encounter trauma, loss, and sometimes devastation on a regular basis. The ability to remain calm and focused, to put others' needs ahead of their own, is a level of dedication that we too often take for granted.
Our society needs to do more to support these professionals. We can ensure that first responders have access to proper mental health resources, adequate training, and the support they need to handle the challenges they face. Beyond just equipping them with technical skills, we need to recognize the emotional and psychological toll the job can take. Offering counseling services, stress management programs, and strong support systems can help them manage the trauma they experience, enabling them to continue providing the highest level of care.
In that moment with Brandon, I felt like I was part of that group of dedicated professionals, and it made me appreciate their work even more. But it also made me realize that even as students, we are capable of making a difference. LSU has given me the foundation to act in moments of crisis, to think with purpose, and to serve others with empathy and responsibility. My actions that night were not extraordinary; they were simply the product of the values LSU instills in us: leadership, care, and a deep sense of responsibility.
This experience has reshaped my understanding of what it means to lead and to make an impact. I realized that leadership is not just about having a title or being in charge. It's about responding when it matters most, standing up in times of need, and making a tangible difference in someone else’s life. I will carry these lessons with me, knowing that I am prepared not just academically, but emotionally and intellectually, to contribute to the LSU community and the world.
As I reflect on that night, I’m proud of what I was able to do for Brandon, but I’m also incredibly grateful for the first responders who came to our aid following the incident. Their professionalism, care, and empathy made all the difference, and I now have an even greater respect for the crucial role they play in ensuring public safety.
In closing, I share my story not to boast but to demonstrate the power of the lessons I’ve learned at LSU. I am a student, yes, but I am also a leader, a helper, and a dedicated member of this community. Just as I acted quickly to help Brandon, I am ready to continue making meaningful contributions to LSU and to the world. The values instilled in me here are guiding me every step of the way, and I am proud to be part of this incredible institution.
