When Kara Kitchen graduated high school in the midst of the 2008 recession, she could not have imagined that her path would lead her to a rewarding and impactful career in emergency medical services. Today, as a Paramedic and Field Training Officer (FTO), Kara reflects on her journey — one filled with unexpected turns, resilience, and purpose. Like many who find their calling by chance, Kara initially planned to pursue nursing. “Originally, I thought I was going to go to nursing school,” she recalls. “But at the time and where I lived, it was extremely hard and cost prohibitive to get into.” A few years later, while preparing to move to California, Kara decided to enroll in a vocational program to improve her job prospects. The EMT course started two months before the CNA course and had a more engaging, medically focused syllabus. That small timing difference changed everything. “At the end of my EMT course, my instructor, Bill Howe, pulled me aside and told me he wanted me to progress to the paramedic course,” Kara says. “He felt I would do very well there. So, you could say that my EMT instructor, Bill Howe, is the reason I am where I am today.” Behind every success story are those who lend their support. For Kara, her mother played a critical role early on. “I never would have been able to complete my EMT class without my mother paying for it,” she shares. “At the time, I was lucky to work eight hours a week at a minimum wage job, and the class wasn’t long enough for financial aid to cover.” Throughout her career, Kara has found encouragement in friends, colleagues, and family — especially her husband, a former firefighter/EMT, and her father-in-law, a retired firefighter/paramedic. “EMS is very hard on its people,” Kara admits. “It takes a lot to stay around for a while. But I’m thankful for all the choices, accidents, errors, triumphs, and coincidences that made me who I am and got me where I am.” In a field often associated with chaos and crisis, Kara finds joy in the simple human moments. “My biggest joy is when I can take someone’s bad day or bad mood and help them feel better,” she explains. “I don’t get paid to make someone’s day worse — I’m there to help.” Whether it’s solving a medical issue or simply lifting someone’s spirits, Kara treasures the opportunity to make a positive impact. “It feels really good to know that you were able to turn someone’s day around — emotionally or medically,” she says with a smile. “Also, getting to pet everyone’s dogs when I go to their house is a definite perk.” Kara’s advice for young women considering a career in EMS: “Know going into it that it’s tough but rewarding. You must find your people — those you mesh with.” She emphasizes the importance of resilience and camaraderie in a demanding profession. “It’s a lot of silliness and things can be frustrating, but it can also be wild and rewarding just an hour later,” she says. “No two days are exactly the same, and every time you walk out of the station, you have the chance to make a real difference.” For Kara, that difference — whether large or small — is what makes it all worthwhile. “It doesn’t happen super often,” she admits, “but it’s amazing to be able to look back and know that you saved someone’s life or had a lasting impact on them and their family. It’s a huge responsibility — and one that should be taken seriously.” Thank you to Zimmerman's Automotive for donating to our project.