If the eighteen year old Dustin would have known and understood the value of higher education the way the now thirty six year-old Dustin does, you would have received this letter eighteen years ago asking for the Scholarship Grant for EMSTA College. Perhaps the passage of eighteen years and the experiences contained in them will prove to be an advantage that will make further education of the thirty six year old more fulfilling personally and more beneficial to family, friends and the community.

I am, first of all a husband and father. Erica, my wife of seven years, and I have four beautiful children—our oldest son Landon is eleven, the middle son Carson is nine, my youngest son Gavin is six, and my daughter Scarlett is three. My marriage and the birth of our children are the most satisfying, inspiring events in my life. Another event, not exactly a positive one at first glance, is one of the reasons you have received this letter.

For six years I was a project manager that has worked his way up from apprentice HVAC installer. I have been working for several HVAC contractors on both residential and commercial projects. My duties included all aspects of HVAC construction as well as supervisory responsibilities. Then, my life changed drastically. After my daughter Scarlett was born the economy crashed and I was laid off. This was one of the most devastating and most empowering times in my life.

Since this layoff, more positives than negatives have emerged. Despite the long days of looking for a job as a project manager and the constant rejection from all HVAC company’s in the San Diego area. The incident has allowed me the opportunity to spend more time with my wife and children and to seek a dream that I have had since childhood, to become a Firefighter Paramedic. This career choice will bring out the natural gifts that GOD has given me, a thirst for knowledge, courage, integrity, and a love for the people in my community.

Before the layoff I was secure at work, with lots of recreation time with my family. At that point I hadn't thought seriously about furthering my education. Because of the economy, I was faced with the realization that I was not satisfied with my choice in work, and my life had a bigger purpose. This revelation, along with much prompting from my wife, encouraged me to view this as a chance for a positive change, a more secure future and the opportunity to follow my childhood dreams to become a Firefighter Paramedic.

I started my new education by enrolling in Miramar College with 12 units and earned a 4.0 GPA. I earned my EMT certification and placed in the top five in my class. Being a self-motivated, goal-oriented person, I was able to achieve a 4.0 grade point average and a place on the Dean’s Honors List. Despite having to provide for my large family, I have maintained a 3.59 grade point average after 42 college units. My goal is to become a Firefighter Paramedic. I want to help all the people in my community, responding to any call that comes in from the dispatcher. It doesn’t matter who calls, the homeless man living out of a dumpster to the state senator.

I now work at Rural Metro as a bridged EMT on an ALS ambulance making $8.50 an hour. I work lots of overtime to support my family and I will not be able do so while in school. My financial situation is desperate; I need a miracle to obtain the money to go to school and to feed my family while I’m in school. The situation feels hopeless, but I know GOD is bigger than my problems and will provide for us as he always has.

I will be working full time while I’m going to school because I’m the head of my household and my wife can only work part-time because of the children. I know this will be hard and a stressful situation for us because paramedic school is full time for one year but I know I can do both. GOD has given me broad shoulders so I can carry the burden for a short period of time through GOD all things are possible.

This 36 year-old returning student has learned to appreciate the generosity of others. EMSTA College cost $11,450 for Paramedic preparation and the Paramedic program. We have paid $8,450 to the school and owe $3,000 more, a $1000 each month. I would be honored and grateful for whatever assistance you are willing to provide. Your investment in me will not only assist me in the accomplishment of my personal goals, but will benefit our community. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Dustin Walker
Dustin.walker@att.net
5605 Marengo Avenue
La Mesa, CA. 91942
Phone: (619)890-2578