Recently I have had the privilege of helping with the New Mexico Emergency Management Conference held in Ruidoso.
Throughout the conference I listened to Emergency Managers share their resilience, preparedness, and determination. Their admirable strength, courage and foresight is inspiring to me.
On the surface it would seem incongruent that I, a filmmaker, would use my spare time to help out with emergency services. But truth is, I have always considered helping my community a precious gift.
I have been an eyewitness to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires and tornadoes. As I began to truly understand the real needs in my community it occurred to me that I was either equipped or crazy enough to be a part of the solution, and became more deeply certified in community emergency response, wildland fire, and the most challenging training of all – becoming a licensed EMT.
Looking back on the convergence of being both a filmmaker and a first responder, there is something to be said for embracing all of your skills, not just the ones used in your day job. Experiences from one enrich the other. And in the intimate space of people on their worst day, you begin to shed judgement and disagreement. Humanity and compassion shine through. For me, this is a refreshing gift from my service. So what about you? What are you called to do? What is that one thing you’ve been curious about trying, but logically doesn’t fit into your current paradigm. Take just one step towards it – whatever that IT may be for you today.