Who Am I?

My name is Edward Griffith, and I live several lives. I am a soldier, Paramedic, martial artist and a husband, uncle and friend to many. To sugar coat my life and state that I am this perfect person would not place my life in the true light. I have had struggles from childhood up to my current adulthood. I've made mistakes, went in paths I may not have understood and chased the evil of money. However, all my experiences led me to my current loving and successful life.

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CHAPTER 1:

At the age of 23, I did not have a direction, lived with my parents, working at Wawa and could not afford college. At this time, I felt like I had only one option - enlist in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard and was this the right decision! Enlisting taught me aspects of life and understanding I could not have imagined. I became a Combat Medic, which I received my National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). I was not aware I had interest in the medical field. When I was selecting my job for the Army, I realized I was not a fighter, and I never shot a weapon in my life. I came to the realization that if I am to join the military, I would want a job/career where I am serving those who serve the country. As a combat medic, I am in charge of treating injuries and illnesses of the fellow service members. After my training, I noticed myself loving medicine and the joy it brought me to save people's lives. I am still currently serving, 13 years and am a Non-commissioned Officer, leading junior medics in aspects of military life, civilian life and assisting them in medical knowledge.

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CHAPTER 2: 

Coming out of medical training in the Army and noticing the love I had for the medical field, I researched, and soul searched for the career I wanted aside from being in the Army National guard, as this is only a one weekend a month obligation. I was torn between a respiratory therapist, registered nurse, and paramedic. After talking to people, researching these avenues, I decided being a Paramedic best suited my personality and how I want to treat people. I enrolled in Delaware County Community college and received an associate's degree in applied science, along with my National Registry Paramedic. By stating the road was easy, would be an understatement. As I did not have much emergency medical service experience, as I went straight from EMT to Paramedic school. Usually, people work as an EMT for several years to learn the field and grow as a provider. I decided to jump right into it and I struggled. My precepting time to learn as a Paramedic was a struggle everyday. However, I laced up my boots and worked and worked and worked. I eventually passed my precepting time and my National Registry Testing in July of 2016. For the last 9 years, I've worked for multiple agencies, in different townships, seen all aspects of EMS from emergent patient's in the 911 setting to inter-facility transport. This allowed me to receive experience, knowledge and the way people live in the community. To increase my knowledge, I successfully passed the Flight/critical care Paramedic certification, which opened doors for the civilian and military sectors.

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CHAPTER 3

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This part coincides with chapters one and two. We have all heard the saying "Things happen when you least expect it". Well, this bolds very true for this chapter. During my Army school training, I met my wife, Nicole. We met through a mutual friend, we spent some time together when I came home for Christmas but were not dating yet. I went back to training after break and I met someone else from home. When I came home, I began to date this woman but it only lasted for two months. I started talking to Nicole again and well, we are now married, been together for almost 13 years and married for 10. We have a house, two amazing dogs, three cats and a great life. We do struggle and argue at times, but if it was not for her, I do not know where I would be. She has lifted me up, given me advice and trusts every decision I make. She has pushed me to stay in the military when I was doubting my path and helps me find the positives.

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CHAPTER 4

A few years ago, I had a job where I was depressed, gaining weight and in all aspects unhealthy. I was failing my Army physical fitness tests, which allowed me to not promote. I was terminated from that job but it was the best thing that happened to me. I went to my wife and told her I needed to change my priorities and how I viewed life. I was easily able to find a job, actually two but it gave me time to reflect. This led me on a health and wellness journey. I began exercising, finding God and doing something I have always wanted to do- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I found a gym close to home and began training. BJJ has taught me a martial art, discipline, humbleness and I found a few people I now call family. Within the first 6 months, I lost over 20 pounds and I was easily able to pass my Army physical fitness test. This led me to be promoted Sergeant in the Non-commissioned Officer corps. Everything happens for a reason, is what my mother always told me, and looking back at my life, this bolds true. I am still very much fit, recently was promoted to blue belt in BJJ and able to bring my 6 year old nephew into this world.

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CHAPTER 5 (The forward beginning)

During my recouperation of unhealthy living, changing my diet and understanding my ADHD, I decided at the age of 34 years old, I wanted to learn more about health and wellness and fitness. Two years ago, I decided to enroll at Harrisburg Area Community College in Wellness and Health to learn more about how people can live a better, healthy life. This degree has taught me how to better communicate with people, actively listen, understand people's lives and journey's they have taken and how I can better communities with health and wellness programs. I will be graduating in May 2025 and have decided on my future plans. I love being a Paramedic, but I feel God has other plans for me. Initially, I was thinking of receiving a degree and become a personal trainer. I figured with the wellness and health degree, personal training and my Paramedic background, I could market myself as an overall personal health coach. Instead, I have decided to further my career in becoming an Athletic Trainer and will be applying to West Chester University. I understand I still have much to learn and this chapter is still writing itself. STAY TUNED!

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SO WHAT and WHY was this written? What is the underlying message?

My major message in all of this is do not give up, take one small step forward each day and love those around you!