JANET SANTOS

Hello,
My name is Janet Paola Diana Santos. I am a 55 years young and the proud mother of two: David Andrew, 33 and Christina Nicole, 30. On August 8, 2006 I underwent a craniotomy following the discovery of several brain. I was informed by my doctors of the side effects following surgery, including moderate memory loss. At this point I had to forego my ambitions of becoming a Pediatrician. As with any brain disorder, the likelihood of increased side effects is enormous. The side effects usually involved: moderate to severe memory loss, seizures, tremors in the extremities, a depressed immune system, and further neurological difficulties.

After a year of feeling sorry for myself, I made the decision to further my education in Emergency Medical Services (EMS). This is where I began at the ripe old age of 17 as a Volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). My decision was to pursue the EMS Administration field and on April 5th, 2007, I began my Associate of Science Degree at the Florida Keys Community College. Following the completion of my AS Degree, I began my Bachelor’s Degree at Kaplan University on June 14, 2009. My journey was nearly complete and on August 12, 2013, my final goal became a reality when I began my Master of Science Degree in Emergency Management & Terrorism at Walden University. Upon the completion of all three degrees, I looked in the mirror and just smiled at myself. Reaching my goals was very emotional and it was then that I realized I could accomplish whatever I desired. The most challenging goal were my studies in pursuit of Master of Science, only because my previous experience was on the other end of Emergency Medical field. However, as I recalled all the experiences which I endured as a Volunteer in my community, I was encouraged even more to complete this degree which would enable me to continue my work in the community.

My passion has always been with assisting my community, displaying trained skills, allowing me to train others in the same field, further my education through field experiences, and enjoy the gratification that surrounds you when you are around others, continuously. I will always have time for my community, regardless where life brings me. Without this community, I would not be the person that I am today. My community was there when I spent my first hours as a New Volunteer Female Firefighter on September 8, 1980.During this time I became the first female Firefighter in Prince George County, Maryland. Having the courage to enter an all-male profession was not an easy task, however, I was adamant about the Volunteer Fire Services. In my heart, I knew that I would be fighting for equal rights for all woman enduring the same occupation as men normally pursued. For an 18 year - old, I was pretty tough back then and whatever I wanted, I must stand strong and so I did. Not only did I become a Volunteer Female Firefighter, but I also became the first Female Rescue Captain of a Volunteer Fire Department in 1981 through 1984, pausing long enough to give birth to my son, David, and becoming a mother for the first time. I never regretted one moment I spent in the fire department; don’t get me wrong my Volunteer days did not end in 1983, no not at all, until 2008, almost 2 years following brain surgery as I began having seizures and other medical problems. I became too much of a “liability”, and I was asked to take some time off because all of my volunteering was taking its toll on my health.

My kids and I decided it was time that retire from the Volunteer aspect and concentrate on less strenuous aspects in my life. Now I spend time creating beautiful handmade quilts for Children’s Hospital, Senior Centers, Adoption Agencies, and the burn centers. I can be contacted at my company email [email protected] for information regarding my quilts.

You asked to answer the question:
Why you'd be a great fit for the Honor Society?
A. I strongly believe that I possess the strengths and beliefs that mature women hold. These strengths and beliefs include. The knowledge:
1. To always, think rationally before acting . . .
2. To know, it's okay to be wrong, it doesn't mean you are stupid . . .
3. To know, honesty will always be the right answer on any test . . .
4. To never lie, cheat, steal, murder . . .
5. To know, that if you think it's wrong...then it probably is wrong, so don't act on it . . .
6. To know, that if you cannot be honest with yourself, then you cannot be honest with anyone else . . .
7. To know, in trouble or not, that I am here for you always, please just call . . .
8. To Always Remember: To Be Humble, And Be Kind To Everyone You Meet . . .

Respectfully yours,
Ms. Janet Paola Santos