In theory, anybody can save someone's life; but nobody is fully prepared to do. It is an act reserved for the brave, the fearless, and the selfless. When the time to act comes, it hits you like a truck: you cannot stop time, but time can stop you. When the moment that you realize a life is in danger, as much as you may believe in yourself, you have zero room for error. As much as you train, practice, or rehearse different scenarios, things never quite go according to plan.
There I was, just an average lifeguard, sitting on an eight-foot, bright-red, oversized surfboard in the middle of the water. There was no escaping the light that blinded me and heated the water. As my eyes adjust to the mid-day sun, they suddenly lock onto a mom and dad who were not paying attention to their children. Immediately my attention snapped to those kids, it was like I forgot the world around me. Two shrill blasts, from another lifeguard’s whistle, pierced through the otherwise meaningless beach noise. At that moment a cold sensation ran through my body which paralyzed me and I hopelessly tried to fight back. This was a feeling that I have never experienced before. That's when it hit me all at once. A voice in my head reminded me, “you have trained for this moment”. Nothing was holding me back besides my fear.
Bubbles. Just bubbles. That's all I saw when I turned toward the struggling child. Immediately, a fire fueled by adrenaline and instinct started pumping and taking control of my body. My arms started to scoop through the water as I was getting ready to stand up on my board. I dove headfirst into the water. I grabbed his arm.
“Why is he so cold ?”
The next few moments all felt like a blur. As I ran out of the water, while holding the lifeless body, the lifeguard who joined me sounded three loud whistles sending an emergency signal. The kid had no pulse. Within seconds, I recounted everything I had been trained to do in this situation but still, I felt scared. I knew that someone's life was now my responsibility. I simply could not fail.
Left hand inside of the right hand. Find the center of the chest.
One…
Two…
Three…
Before I could get to the fourth compression. I felt a jolt of new life.
As the crowd stood amazed and clapping, something within me felt relieved that my preparation had finally kicked in. It reminded me I should trust my instincts and training.
Hesitation caused by fear locked me in a state of mind that I cannot explain. A person is never quite as prepared as they think they are.
However, when life was on the line, I was able to act, follow my training, and in the process, save that child’s life. At this point, I realized the real responsibility that my job as a lifeguard entailed.
This helped me see how I can help the community and not only those in need but everyone who may benefit. As a first-generation Latino in the US, I want to be able to help people who may be in need, while inspiring others to make a difference in the world. Being brave is not for everybody. It comes with obstacles and responsibilities. With a degree in International relations, I will be able not to freeze but better yet be prepared and ready for time action, including all different scenarios. I can use these skills to help other families in areas like immigration, security, human rights, poverty, and more. International relations would open new and different opportunities to reach my goal of becoming a US ambassador and having the chance to make a positive impact on the American community.
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