By Deron Hamel

When she was 15, Rachel Croft didn’t know what was happening when she had her first seizure – only that she was scared, disoriented and suddenly needed help from strangers.

As frightening as this moment was, what stood out for her was the kindness she received from the paramedics who helped her that day. Years later, she says it’s that moment that set her on a path to do the same for others, inspiring her to pursue paramedic training at Humber College last September.

“I don’t remember much from that first experience, but I remember being scared and I remember the kindness that I got from the paramedics taking care of me,” Rachel tells Voices of Epilepsy.

“To this day, I remember this kindness which has made me want to become a paramedic on my own to take care of people who are scared and in the position that I was in and make them feel better just like the paramedics did for me.”

Rachel says she has faced several hurdles along the way to pursuing her dream of becoming a paramedic, including issues with her driver’s licence, which was previously suspended due to her epilepsy. However, since starting medication to manage her seizures, she has regained a valid licence.

Rachel is now focused on completing her paramedic training and building towards her future career in emergency response.

Rachel is one of four recipients of a $1,500 scholarship from Epilepsy Ontario. This financial support, she says, will help cover her costs, which include tuition as well as CPR and first-aid certification.

Rachel says if she could speak to her younger self, she would reassure her that everything would be OK. While epilepsy changed her life, she says it ultimately led to meaningful connections, new friendships and a clearer sense of direction.

“It has definitely thrown me some curveballs that I’ve had to overcome, but I wouldn’t change it,” she says. “I’ve made friends over it, I’ve connected with people because of it and I found what I want to do with my life because of it.”

Perhaps most importantly, Rachel says her future looks bright and she looks forward to helping others.

“I can’t wait to become a full-time paramedic and help people who were in the position that I was in,” she says.