Students at Cashmere High School have the great opportunity to do internships at different jobs to help prepare for the future. Georgia Hemmer, a CHS junior, has an internship at Ballard Ambulance. She got into this internship from Cashmere High School’s Career day. Ballard came in and talked about being an EMT. Georgia then took the next steps and called the Ballard Ambulance office and asked about an internship.
Since Georgia doesn’t have qualifications to treat patients, she gets to just ride along in the ambulance and see how things go. Georgia said, “Sometimes the EMT or Paramedic in the back of the Ambulance will need me to grab something.” If they are just sitting at the station, Georgia helps make sure the ambulance is ready to go when they do get a call.
Georgia’s school life is normal even with the internship. She works long eight hour shifts at Ballard on the weekends so the normal internship time is free time for her. “I can leave campus and grab a snack, or help Mr. Ream and the office as a TA.”
Georgia enjoys her time at the internship. Even though she can’t treat patients, she still has a good time. Georgia said, “Socially, I’ve made some friends and met some cool people at the station!” Another Cashmere graduate, Dylan Nicholas, works at the station and Georgia loves to talk to her during her shifts. Georgia’s first day on the job, she thought, “Wow. I love this!! I really can’t wait to make this my career, or the start at least.”
Georgia riding along in the ambulance during her internship. Photo credit: Georgia Hemmer
This internship could one day lead Georgia in the direction of becoming a certified EMT. To become an EMT, Georgia would need her CNA certification. “…next year with the tech center, I hope to get my CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)” After getting her CNA Georgia could then continue on the path of becoming a nurse though college and nursing school or go down the route of an EMT.
Georgia would recommend doing an internship through Ballard, “if that’s something you are interested in”. There are also lots of other internships at other companies, a little something for everyone. Overall, Georgia is happy with her choice to do an internship with Ballard. Even if it doesn’t lead to a future career, it has been a good learning experience.
