‘After a year of [volunteering] on an ambulance, I became a certified EMT. It was incredible to be able to help save a life.’

Kaelin McCaffrey, Northport

“I’ll be studying neuroscience in the honors program at Providence College in September while also running on the track team. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor because I like helping people and learning about the human body. My mom has been a nurse for many years. She would tell me stories about working in the ER, and I was intrigued, so I decided to volunteer with Huntington Community First Aid Squad. I joined as a junior, and when I was old enough, I started riding on an ambulance. After a year of riding I became a certified EMT. One of my first calls was for a cardiac arrest. It went from zero to 100 in a matter of seconds. It was incredible to be able to help save a life.

I received the News 12 Scholar Athlete Award this year. They only choose 30 seniors to get the scholarship.

“In high school, I wanted to do a variety of activities. I come from a family of runners, so it sparked my interest in the sport. I found it therapeutic and I liked the feeling of pushing myself, just as I did with academics. On the track it was the same, only more physical. It was a good balance. As a junior, I decided I wanted to run in college, which is late for most track runners. I was so excited Providence chose me for a spot on their team! I currently work at Long Island Fun Runners, a youth running program. I’ve been able to teach kids how to run and inspire them to continue. It has helped me become a better leader and teacher.

“I received the News 12 Scholar Athlete Award this year. They only choose 30 seniors to get the scholarship. I was the only Catholic high school student to win it. It goes to seniors who balance outstanding academic and athletic abilities. I was also thrilled to learn that I was valedictorian at Our Lady of Mercy. I was surprised, but it was rewarding to know that the hard classes and studying paid off.

“I’ve grown exponentially through my experiences. I used to be so shy. It was through academics and athletics that I started connecting with other people. It’s through medicine and running that I keep learning and growing. Everyone should try things outside of their comfort zone because anything can happen. I hope to have an impact on other people in the way that my mom, my coaches and the people I ride with on the ambulance have inspired me.”

Interviewed by Iris Wiener