Not far from Grosse Pointe South, at Center Line High School, students are offered the opportunity to participate in a program that teaches the skills to become an EMT worker. With this program under students’ belts, it gives them opportunities in the career field to work in hospitals, ambulances, police and fire departments.
Counselors like Mr. Bernbeck have worked with Center Line and South students to give them the chance to obtain their EMT license. Advantageously, it only takes students a 20 minute drive to get to their class daily. This class we had 4 years ago is finally making a comeback to the district.
“I think it was four years ago, we used to have the Wayne County Community college teach the class in our building,” Bernbeck said. “This year students are going to Center Line High School in the morning because we’re part of the curriculum.”
Student Nathan Michaud ‘25 has joined the class this year. Not like an everyday class, it’s a fun start to the morning and provides an amazing experience for kids to engage in.
“I never really heard about the class, so I had to do some searching and work with my counselor to see if it was a possibility,” Michaud said. “I like how I’m learning practical skills that are useful for everyone to know. A usual day consists of lectures and hands-on instruction.”
Another student, Monroe DeSmyter ‘25 has taken up this opportunity to explore this new given class and express her interests. With so many topics covered in this class it’s a nice new scenery and change from an average class one usually sits through. With interactive learning and fun concepts, it becomes very engaging for students.
“I do like this class better than an average class because it’s very interactive,” DeSmyter said. “I also like that I can go home
or out in public and feel like if something was to go wrong, I can help.”
With many students figuring out their route after high school, this class lets them find a passion and explore interests for their future goals. Some even consider taking this license and using it in the real world with them.
“This class is helping me prepare for my future because I want to be a police officer,” DeSmyter said. “For many departments, they make sure you’re fire and police certified, but for me, EMT is going the extra mile. It also builds my resume for my future and gets me working in the field.”
If this career is a dream of students at South, give it a try and learn something new. Many students should have their graduation requirement out of the way before trying this class as it takes a portion of your morning schedule up.
“This class is available to all students, but if you have enough room in your schedule,” Bernbeck said. “If it fits and you have your graduation requirements taken care of, because it tasks a big chunk of the day.”
