Today we’d like to introduce you to Jocelyn Lopez
Hi Jocelyn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Clayton County. I came from a family where my mother was a Nurse and my father was a Firefighter. From as early as I could remember, I wanted to be a nurse. I graduated from high school and earned my Certified Nursing Assistant License through the Healthcare Program.
I started taking nursing courses during college. During that time, life events happened, which lead me to change my major. I graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Film and Video. I also graduated with another bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies/Film and Video. I pledged Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority, Inc., and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. during my college years.
After graduating, I was interested in First Responding. I went to do Fire, Police, and EMS radio dispatching. I did that for several years, until I wanted something more. I wanted to actually go to the calls to help people, instead of just helping them over the phone.
I applied for Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services, participated in the interview process, and was hired on as a Firefighter Recruit. From there I participated in the Fire Academy where I trained to become a Firefighter. I also went through their EMS academy, where I obtained my EMT-Basic and EMT-Advanced licensure as well. After graduating from the academy, I was assigned to my station where I worked a 24/48 shift and ran Fire & EMS calls.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Getting this far has had it’s difficulties. The Fire Academy was challenging in itself. It’s approximately 30-35 weeks of intense training, I also was one of the oldest recruits in my class. I was 30 years old at the time. I also had a 1 year old son, while taking care of my sick father. Learning Firefighting and EMT course material requires A LOT of studying. There is a national/state exam at the end of each course for certification. I would check on my father, then get my son to sleep around 8pm, then wake up around 1am-2am to study! The Fire Academy also requires you to be physically fit. They do not change the weight or the rules to make it easier because of your gender. Everything the guys had to do, I had to do. There was no easy way out. I just pushed through the difficult times as a recruit because I saw the bigger picture. I knew it was my passion.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently serve as a Firefighter/Media Specialist for the department. There was an opening for a Media Specialist position and I thought this would be great with my background and degrees in Journalism/Film and Video. I applied for the position, interviewed, and ultimately was hired and placed in that role. I love what I do as a Firefighter/Media Specialist.
I serve multiple roles in this position. I create videos for recruit graduations, graphic design for the department, and I serve as a member of the hiring team. When applicants come to take their Physical Agility Test, I assist with that. I also assist in applicant interviews.
In this role, I also go out to different schools and talk to students about fire safety and how to become a Firefighter. I also help plan and host several annual events for the department.
This moment feels to be full circle for me because I get to share my passion for media/film & video and the career of firefighting simultaneously. I also want to inspire little girls that they too can do this job!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I would love to give credit to both of my parents. My mom was a Nurse and my father was a Firefighter. Unfortunately they both passed away along this journey. I am thankful that my father got to see me graduate from the academy. But they both inspired me to do what I do today. I would like to thank my immediate family. My boyfriend has been extremely supportive through everything. My son is my motivation that pushes me every single day. I also would like to thank all of my instructors who put up with me stressing over exams. They have definitely pushed me, mentally and physically and their words of encouragement will stay with me forever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/blakenolani
- Instagram: @BlakeNolani
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/jocelyn.jordan
- Twitter: @BlakeNolani
- Youtube: @BlakeNolani
