Michael Burrell was awarded the Nerney Leadership Award on Cabrini Day last Tuesday for his service as an EMT.
Burrell, sophomore criminology major, served as an EMT this year in the Upper Merion Township.
“Receiving this award is a true honor and privilege and I am very grateful. I work not to receive awards. I try to do my best work at all times and when I fall short, I pick up the pieces and start putting them back together,” Burrell said.
Being an EMT isn’t just a job one participates in. Being an EMT means saving people’s lives. There are jobs and then there are callings. This was a calling for Burrell.
“I respect others and work hard. In return, sometimes I am rewarded but sometimes the biggest reward is accomplishing the goal that I set for myself. Obviously I work to serve others, but in reality it all comes down to helping those who don’t have the things in life that you have. You can never take anything for granted in life so I felt like this was my responsibility,” Burrell said.
For Burrell, it doesn’t matter where, when or whom he is serving because to him, it is first nature to help others around him.
“I love serving the people of the community whether at Cabrini, Upper Merion Township or Appalachia,” Burrell said.
Burrell understands the importance of his service. He serves to protect lives and prevent disasters from happening. Burrell plans on continuing his service in years to come so that the safety of the people around him is ensured.
“I will continue to partake in my EMT path and I am a Co leader for a Project Appalachia this year with Rebecca Healy and Madeline Coutu,” Burrell said.
Burrell’s friends and family are a big influence on him and are part of the reason he plans on continuing his service in several communities around him.
“I am motivated by the people around me and I want to give back to the community not because it will help me receive awards but instead because I feel that it is my responsibility,” Burrell said.
@patrickwhalen12
