Jon's Paramedic Education Fund!!

Hello everyone, my name is Jonathan Hamilton. I'm a florida born native. Yes, I know, few and far between! I was born in a single parent home and raised by my mother. I am the middle child of three boys. I'm 32 years old and I'm currently in pursuit of making my dreams come true to become a Paramedic/Firefighter.   I'm off to a late start as to what it is that I want to do for the rest of my life, but I have finally found it. I want to share a litte insight on my past. I was in the hospitality business since I was 16 years old. I started out as a bus boy and throughout the years went back and forth between cooking and serving tables.  Some factors came into play with deciding to make a career change.  First, the lifestyle that comes along with working in restaurants, it's fast paced but there isn't any variety. Everyday feels  like Ground Hog's day. Second,  I put the bottle down five years ago and I want more out a lot more out of life than plopped on a barstool, wishing I was our there making a change. One night when I was coming home from work around 2:00 a.m., a car crashed on the side of I-95. I saw an orange glow on the side of the highway and decided to stop, only to see a car down in the ditch that struck a tree and caught fire. I ran down to the car and was able to pull one man from the driver seat to the side of the highway. By the time I got him to the road, the car was fully engulfed.  Police and Fire/Rescue got to the scene, and  the FD extinguished the car fire, only to determine that the man's sister was still in the vehicle. I sat on the side of the road until 6:00 a.m. When it came time to give my report to FHP, I stated what I had done and remained anonymous.  That night has stuck with me for a while now. It has helped me to increase my relationship with God. It gave me the idea to become a Fireman, but I never took any action.  A few years passed until another incident occured involving a motorcycle.  It was a Friday night. I had gottten off from work and pulled into my parking space at home. I was sitting there thinking to myself that I didn't want to be putting lemons on plates for the rest of my life. Asking myself, "Where do I want to be in life when I'm 50?"  Then, it happened.  As I was exiting my vehicle, I heard a loud engine rev and a loud crash sound. I knew exactly what it was. The intersection is right on the other side of the bank that's in front of my apartment.  I ran through the parking lot to find a man in the middle of the intersection, twisted and bent beyond belief, while the driver of the other vehicle took off. Thank God someone followed her and reported her to the police.   Officers found her trying to cover the vehicle in her driveway with a tarp.  She was arrested for DUI, hit and run, and vehicular manslaughter.  I ran to it instinctively.  I watched this man take his last breath as I looked into his eyes, wishing there was something I could have done.   Rescue came, and pulled out the yellow tarp. We all pretty much know what that means. I decided it was time to take some action to get the ball rolling. It was time to start matching the dance to the song. His death inspired me to want to save lives. I went to Broward college to find out what I needed to become an EMT.  They handed me a checklist and I completed it.  With the help of my mother, I was able to sign up for classes.   We had labs, lecture, hospital clinicals, and ride time at fire departments.  The moment I got my first call and stepped foot on that truck, with lights and sirens, I knew right then and there that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.  I never want to forget that feeling.  I graduated EMT with a "B" average.  I jumped right in the fire academy. With the help from my Uncle to enroll, I put in the effort along with a lot of prayer. I became a graduate of Coral Springs Fire Academy. I currently hold certifications from the National Pro Board  and the State of Florida as a Firefighter I/II. In school I was made a squad leader and maintained a "B" average as well.  I loved every aspect of it and I can't wait for the "real world".  Live burn demos, search and rescue, vehicle extrication, repelling, sweat, physical execution and lot of laughter made everything worth it.  Holding a charged hoseline and getting upclose and personal with our vehicle prop on fire was unbelievable. I felt like a warrior of God standing at the gates off hell. That's the only way I can describe it.  I recently have been hired to work as an EMT on a private Ambulance company,  American Ambulance.  It's been amazing so far.  The next step is Paramedics.  It is about 16 months of education, divided into 4 courses, plus a leadership class that will lead to an Associates Degree. The money will be used on books, any type of vaccinations that may be required, and divided towards each class per semester. Anything left over, I intend to pay it foward. So far the money has been used for a few extra certs, such as EVOC, FAST class and will eventually be used for an advanced extrication course. The money will be used strictly for educational purpose. So, I am reaching out on faith and I'm asking for help so that I may be able to help. If you can find it in your heart to help, I would truly be honered. Even if it is only a dollar. I won't let anyone down. I want this as much as I want to breathe.