Alicia Vick

Personal Statement
OLOL PA PROGRAM
http://www.ololcollege.edu/assets/uploads/paprogramapplication.pdf
Growing up in a small town where the majority never leave, and
live a limited version of life based on available resources and job
opportunities, I desperately felt I needed to find a way out. I wanted
more for my life, and I needed a plan to make this happen. As the
youngest in a family of all brothers, I learned to be competitive as a
matter of survival. I always fought to keep up with them, and this
pushed my boundaries in finding out what I can accomplish. My
brothers found small town troubles, and this further solidified that my
fate would never fall into this world. Ive always been creative in
pursuing artistic creation, but also in figuring out a puzzle or obstacle
in front of me. My reasoning directed me to the one opportunity that
could take me on an adventure in life, away from a small town, and
figure out what I was called to be. This path was the U.S. Army. As this
is not the standard path for a petite, 5ft 3, not quite 100lb, baby of the
family, I encountered much skepticism and doubt. As I repeatedly
convinced others that this was a great opportunity for me, it started to
really resonate within me, that not only is this my way out, and my
future education, but this was a call to service that I truly felt in my
heart. This was something bigger than me, and I absolutely had to play
a role. My parents with part reluctance and part pride at my
headstrong determination signed the line for me to join the delayed
entry program at 17. My ASVAP scores came back surprisingly high,
and I has the choice in choosing what job I wanted to do within the
Army. I decided that being a Medic suited me, as it would allow me to
help others. This began my journey into the uncertain future of my life
that now belonged to Uncle Sam.
After the intense training to become a soldier, and continued
intensity to acquire the title, of Combat Medic, I was a new version of
myself. The journey was not quick, nor painless. It was fought with
blood, sweat, and tears to become a qualified 91-Bravo Combat Medic
Soldier in the U.S. Army, and that feeling of accomplishment cannot be
adequately expressed in words. That young girl who boarded the plane
to venture into the unknown was brave and determined, but also nave
with inexperience. Perhaps that sheltered my vision, and provided the
ability to tackle any task set before me as they came. I was determined
that my best effort would always be given, and my childhood
competitiveness amongst my brothers continued to drive me. I
excelled at the physical fitness, loved the structure, and challenges at
pushing my limits, whether it was qualifying in weapons, or learning
how to save someone as a first responder. These were not jobs to take
lightly as I knew I would be the one to personally take care of someone

in need, even if that meant physically dragging them to safety. My

journey took me many places and I have such amazing experiences
and stories to share, but I will provide a few highlights that helped to
solidify who I am, and why I want to be a Physician Assistant.
Three places of note that directed my calling was, the Reynolds
Army community Hospital Med/Surgical floor, and experiences within
their Emergency Department, the 1st Infantry Divisions Forward
Support Battalions field hospital, and my life experiences after the
military. The medical world came natural to me. I loved the science and
working systems of the body. I loved playing a part in making others
feel better. I took great pride in performing a skill efficiently to
minimize repeated procedures while doing so with gentle compassion. I
learned early on that patients are relying on you at their most
vulnerable and frightening times, and their loved ones have a
dependence and a right for a competent professional who can not only
perform efficiently, but also take the time to explain and put them at
ease. The terminology and hospital procedures clicked, and I couldnt
wait to practice anything hands on. I was like a sponge learning
everything in all scopes of practice from hands on patient care, to
patient privacy, rights and dignity, ethics, and what the different
specialties entailed. Working with patients was very rewarding. My first
experiences gained being thrown onto the med surgical floor as a
brand new medic were immeasurable.
Of my highlights, the first was on the med-surgical ward. I took
care of a really special couple, which without knowing, we would have
such an impact on each other. They had been married for over fifty
years. Daily, I saw his devotion to his bride in never leaving her side. I
spent many days caring for her and we would talk each time I entered
her room. We got to know each other, and he would share tips or
advice on life and love. While I took the same care and attention as I
did to all my patients, when she passed away, it was especially hard,
as I had grown close to this sweet couple. She was my first patient to
see all the way through to the end of life measures and procedures. I
was personally affected by this loss, but also felt so honored and
grateful that my genuine compassion was applied and I felt it to be
impossible for anyone to have given them a better experience. This
was a rewarding feeling, and months later when I was told I had a
visitor at the front desk; I was surprised to see him standing there. He
went through the administration channels to find me within the
hospital, because at this point I was working in the ER. He wanted me
to go to his home and retrieve a gift he said I had to have. I was a bit
reluctant to venture to his home, but out of respect to his request, and
a bit of curiosity, I made the trip. I soon found out that what he wanted
me to have was something very special. With no children of their own,
and his soul mate now gone, he was struggling in his grief, but he
explained that my kindness and compassion was so moving that he

wanted me to have a set of China. It was one that they had their entire
marriage. It was a full set from the original catalog of Sears and
Roebuck, and along with it a picture of them. This made a profound
impact on me in that by just doing my job, I made a connection and
impression on the life of another in such a meaningful way. I still have
this entire set boxed, just as it came with a unique feeling of pride and
awe, because for me whats contained inside is more than just a set of
dishes.
After receiving many positive patient satisfaction surveys, this
allowed me to gain the attention of the hospital administration, and
opened the door to working in the Emergency Department. As they
value and trust the most capable medics to perform here, I was thrilled
for the opportunity. The world of emergency medicine was like home to
me. I loved the uncertainty of what would come through that door at
any moment. I loved the adrenaline and challenge of caring for acute
injuries and illnesses. I had the most amazing Officers and Civilians as
Doctors, Nurses, and Paramedics, who were passionate and genuinely
wanted to teach me. What I was able to attempt and do as an Army
Medic, with their guidance, created a confidence and competency to
be proud of. Our collaboration and teamwork made things work
efficiently and I thrived when able to fly solo knowing they trusted me
to accomplish the mission. I loved giving my best efforts in playing my
part on the team, whether it was working a code to save a life, or
picking up on little subtle things in triaging a patient by hearing clues,
and instinctively placing puzzle pieces together, that could make a
difference in management. Here I learned so many valuable things in
medicine and myself. Many times drenched in sweat and exhaustion
not wanting to give up on a code, I had to be told by my team that we
had done all we could, and it was time to stop, and walk away. This was
never easy, but as I sat through many difficult minutes in attempts to
comfort families when their loved ones were lost, I was able to let them
know our team gave our all and it was personal. Other days we pulled
out what seemed to be part medicine and part miracle, the rewards
were like nothing else. Teamwork was imperative, and I discovered I
really liked to be a part of this environment. It forced me to understand
that it truly takes a team effort for the best patient outcomes and
experiences.
The final part of my experience comes from my last duty station
and to present. I had new orders for Vilsek, Germany. I didnt want to
go overseas. I loved the emergency room and the familiar pace I had
grown accustomed to, but with no say in the matter, I was on my way. I
thought surely I would be working in a hospital much like I was leaving,
but things didnt exactly go as envisioned. I was assigned to the First
Infantry Division, which didnt seem right because this is an all male
infantry division. I soon learned that they have something called a
Forward Support Battalion attached, as they need support in different

forms to operate and Medical is a vital importance. We were training

for missions in Kosovo at the time. This meant we needed real time in
the field. We spent weeks out in the field setting. We set up our MASH
field hospital and along with taking care of real time soldiers issues, we
conducted training exercises and mass casualty events. We simulated
front line scenarios, with patient retrievals on and off black hawks and
tanks. This was high stress situations that required quick thinking and
actions. I worked under and alongside PAs who introduced me to what
a PA was first hand. I had the utmost respect and admiration for them.
It was at this point I wished I had approached the Army from a different
angle. If I hadnt joined as enlisted out of high school, I could have
gotten the education part first, and followed the path as an officer and
Physician Assistant. While I couldnt change the way I started out, I
passionately wanted to do more. I wanted to be more. With my
accumulation of experiences, I knew my calling was to be a PA.
When I was honorably discharged from the Army and
transitioned into civilian life, I found myself at a loss, in that all the
things I had been able to do in the military, were not an option with out
more education and licensure. I obtained my certification as a medical
assistant and went back to work in the medical field. I had personal
challenges that put my dreams on hold. I became a mom, and worked
and sacrificed to put my husband through law school. Inside I wanted
to be the one in school and see my aspirations come true, but I had no
choice but to bury those thoughts and make a life in my new role as a
mom. When my marriage started to fall apart, I was panicked in how I
hadnt been able to achieve a higher degree, and now was faced with
being a single mom. I felt my options were so little, but I continued
working as a medical assistant, and while it wasnt exactly what I had
always hoped for, I found great pride in my job. I was able to function
in a much higher capacity in filling many roles and job descriptions. I
assisted in all the varied procedures, and was always quick to learn
and take on more. These experiences being in a nursing role were very
rewarding, but I never stopped wishing for more. Life moves fast and
time seems to fly by. I remarried, and now have a house full of children
and am humbled at my many blessings. I have the honor and privilege
in raising my children, who teach me so much daily. I finally had the
opportunity to give college a chance, and once I saw that I was capable
of success, it reignited my hopes of actually reaching my goals.
I am motivated, mature, passionate, and absolutely certain
of what I want to be. I have many life experiences to bring to the table
that can benefit this program, and profession. I certainly know how to
function under stress, as my life is completely full of responsibility, and
I am able to create organization and have the leadership to make it all
operate efficiently. I know how to work as a team member, and
understand its value. I know what hard work is and have the
determination to give my best effort in a job done right. I want to help

others by sharing my passion and talents, while being down to earth,

approachable and honest in my limitations. I know being a mid level
practitioner would be very personally rewarding, and allow the
opportunity to apply myself in a more meaningful way. My dreams
may have taken several detours along the way, but I refuse to quit in
pursuing them. I believe the personal reward is great in giving of my
talents and service to others. I want to live a life to be proud of in
making a difference, and leaving things better than how I found them.