Beyond extra credit: AOL senior shines on front lines

A few days after receiving my certification, I applied to work at West Jefferson Medical Center and received a call a few weeks later offering me a job in the ER. When I received the call, it was a very exciting time for me. I realized that hard work pays off.
    

I began working in the ER the first week in February, when I was not attending school. Little did I know I would be working there in the middle of the most devastating pandemic in generations: the COVID-19 crisis.
    

My three short months in the ER have been life-altering.
My “normal day” consists of getting my temperature checked at the door and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) the whole day.
    

The highs are very high, and the lows are very low.
    

Some of the toughest personal challenges have been seeing fear on people’s faces and witnessing those who have been affected by the COVID-19 virus.
    

Personally, I hit a low when thinking about the possibility of bringing the virus home to my family. Before entering my home, I must remove all the items I was wearing at work and put them straight into the washing machine. Then I immediately take a shower. It is important to take these measures to lower the risk of spreading the virus.
    

Having to distance myself from my family has been the toughest part of all this, but I knew I had to do it in order to keep them safe. During low moments, I would constantly talk with God. I believe it was really the only way to make me feel stronger.
    

But there also have been many bright moments during this pandemic. When people overcome the virus, that is a high time. Also, when people listen to the safety rules – so we can lower the risk of spreading the virus – that is a high time.
    

I have also been privileged to see healthcare workers forming strong bonds while helping each other during this tough time. It is important that health care professionals know that it is OK to rely on each other, because they understand what it is like being on the frontline. I admire the drive and determination these professionals have while practicing and caring for patients.
 

Hands-on training
    

I could not have had this real-life experience were it not for the Program of Academic Majors at my high school. At Academy of Our Lady, students have the opportunity to concentrate their electives in a subject area they might want to pursue in college. The Program of Academic Majors affords students the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience prior to stepping foot on a university campus. This program is offered in conjunction with the required college-preparatory curriculum.
    

Academy of Our Lady offers four paths of study through the Program of Academic Majors: Health Science, STEM, Law and Civil Leadership, and Culinary Arts. The administration hopes to offer a Fine Arts major beginning this fall.
    

I was inspired to pursue a career in the health care field because I enjoy caring for others and making them feel better. It’s as simple as that.
    

Even through this catastrophe, I still feel that God is calling me to this field. It has reminded me to keep my faith strong. On the way to work, I listen to a worship and praise playlist and say a little prayer to start my day. It puts my mind at ease with all that is going on in the real world.
    

This experience has changed me for the better. It has helped me learn not to take things for granted and to live my life to the fullest. Always cherish what or who you have now because you aren’t promised tomorrow.
    

Academy of Our Lady senior Maci Berthelot, 18, plans to attend the University of New Orleans and apply to LSU Health School of Nursing once she completes her required prerequisites. Her ultimate goal is to become a nurse practitioner. 
    

Twenty-five Academy of Our Lady students will receive their CNAs this year. Over the past two years, 139 students have fulfilled the grade requirements and completed the coursework for one of the four majors offered through the high school’s Program of Academic Majors. Students also have the opportunity to take different elective courses within the program without committing to complete a major.