I volunteer as an EMT with Morris Minute Men, a fully volunteer emergency medical service that supports Morris Township and Morris Plains. Since we are volunteer run, we do not bill patients, which helps make sure people receive care without worrying about the financial cost. Every call is different. Emergencies can happen at any time, and you never know what situation you will walk into. Sometimes it is a serious medical crisis, and sometimes it is someone who just needs reassurance and a calm presence. We meet people from all kinds of backgrounds, often in the hardest and most vulnerable moments of their lives. Being able to bring calm, care, and connection to someone in those moments is what makes this work meaningful to me. Volunteering has taught me the value of empathy and compassion. Even small acts of kindness can make a lasting impact. I believe a community is stronger when people choose to show up for one another. When I think about what feels connected to the idea of America, I think about that sense of responsibility toward each other. To me, being American means taking action and helping where you can. It means supporting your neighbors and your community, because that is how we move forward together.