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Community Corner

Aspiring Doctor Finds First Aid Squad a Fulfilling Introduction to Medicine

John Massey takes 19 credits while volunteering as an EMT in Montville and Montclair.

  • Name: John Massey, 20, has been on the Montville First Aid Squad for just over a year. The EMT volunteers three to 12 hours each week in Montville, and another eight hours per week on the Montclair State University First Aid Squad.
  • What Part of Town: Massey, who moved to Towaco from Virginia 10 years ago, graduated from Montville Township High School. It was there that he realized that he wanted to explore science in-depth. He wanted to go beyond “the basic chem, bio and physics,” Massey said.
  • Why this Squad: Massey’s best friend convinced him to get involved. “I want to be a doctor someday, so it is definitely a first impression to primary care,” Massey explained. “And it’s great to be able to provide some help in town.”
  • Education: Currently Massey, a bio major, with a chemistry minor, is enrolled in Montclair State University. Even though he doesn’t graduate until 2013, he is already studying for his MCATs. “I want to start early,” said the dedicated pre-med student. “So I won’t have to worry about being behind later on.” He noted that his hectic class schedule sometimes prevents him from serving a 12 hour shift in Montville. “Depending on school, how busy I am, I’ll try to go overnight, or just do three hours, if I’m busy, and I can’t do anymore,” Massey said. “Usually in the summer I try to pick up another day too.” He added that the people on the squad appreciate whatever time he can give each week, even if it is only a few hours. “Whatever you can do here, an hour, it doesn’t matter, they’re still open to anyone who can just walk in and provide a hand.”
  • Most Rewarding: “You see it every time you get a call,” Massey said. “What’s rewarding about it is when you arrive at the hospital and transport the patient onto the bed at the hospital, you know, the ‘thank you’ they give you it really, it’s priceless. … You were there for someone when they needed your assistance, no matter what it is … you definitely feel good about it afterwards.”
  • Most Difficult: “You really have to be ready all the time for anything,” Massey said. “As much fun as we have here when we don’t have calls, it’s a great group here, on Wednesday nights, especially. We really have fun together.  But, you know, when the call goes off you have to be ready to handle anything.”
  • Favorite Thing about Montville Township:  “It’s a very friendly town,” Massey said. “Everyone seems relatively, you know, friendly amongst each other. They’re Neighbors. It’s not busy. Pretty much the only people who are here are Montville citizens, so that’s really nice ”
  • Something you would change about Montville Township: “When I was younger I used to want to see, maybe, like more of a Denville feel to it. Being able to walk around outside and have those kinds of stores and that kind of area. But, it’s nice how it is now, actually,” Massey said. “It’s what I’m used to.”
  • Hobbies: Playing basketball with friends is a hobby Massey enjoys when he has the time. He also goes to the gym five times a week. However, spending time with family and friends is what he most likes to do with his free time. “I’m really tight with my family,” he said.
  • Advice: Massey feels everyone should consider volunteering for the Montville First Aid Squad. “Absolutely do it,” he said. “I try to get people to join all the time ...  not even for anyone who’s really into science or medicine, it’s just, you meet a lot of great people here, and it’s a really great experience. So, it’s definitely something you want to consider doing.”
  • Philosophy: “Be dedicated to what you want to do and give it all you got. Be the best at whatever it is that you want to do.”

 

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