Put me to work

There was a shooting at a political gathering on UVU campus last week and a political influencer was tragically murdered in front of thousands of young people. 

I asked my girls how they were doing. Both had watched the video of his death without any warning that it was extremely graphic. Quincy was pensive and said clearly to me, “Mom. I know that video should be upsetting. It IS upsetting, don’t watch it. It’s SO bloody. And so sad. The situation upsets me. But I’m not sickened by the blood.” 

She told me she had thought a lot about what she thought she might have done. “First of all I never would have been there because I disagree with those political views. But it doesn’t matter. It could happen anywhere. As I watch the video and hear everyone’s stories about fleeing campus and getting safe…I need you to know that I already know that’s not my instinct anymore mom. I don’t care who the person is or what they believe.  If I hear shots, if I see someone bleeding out, I’m not going to flee. Not to be reckless, but because I have skills. I am running against that crowd and trying to help the wounded.” 

This is Christlike living. 

I love her understanding of her gifts and her desire to mend the world through service. She sent me this message on Instagram at midnight.

My response to her was, “I don’t even know. Last days, Quincy. Get them medical skills. You’re gonna use em!” 

Several BYU student activities including The True Blue Foam Party were rescheduled.  Quincy joined a bunch of roommates last minute for a blackout party at was tagged in this post I grabbed a screenshot of. Look at all these fun Helaman Halls girls she gets to be friends with!

 They danced about 45 minutes in this mass pit of college fun…and then the music stopped abruptly and the lights came on. 

The DJ called out on the mic, “We have a situation up here, is anyone in this room an EMT?” 

Quincy: “Me! I am! I am an EMT!” And she pushed her way through the crowd to the stage.

A student had hit their head and collapsed on some stairs and was seizing. 

The girl was unconscious. Q met 2 other girls and one boy who were also EMTs at the front but they had difficulty getting to the girl because there were so many kids crowded around her, trying to move her, wake her, force-give her water 🤦🏻‍♀️ and all with disagreeing opinions about how to help someone who is seizing. Q got loud and yelled out, “If you are not certified you need to move outta here. Behind the DJ tape. Right now!” and people cleared out of the way, so they could get to the patient. Quincy reflects that she and the other EMTs she had never met became a team instantly and worked together perfectly. She has not really practiced emergency care outside of work and she said she was amazed at how naturally she remembered protocols and just knew what to do. They called 9-1-1, and got her on an ambulance. 30 minutes later, everyone was getting back out on the dance floor. 

It was an affirming experience for Quincy to know she has chosen the right field of study and Heavenly Father has work for her to do wherever she goes.