PA 23 Flashcards
What is the most selfless thing you have ever done?
One night, I saw a man who had fallen onto the train tracks. He was unconscious, and a train was coming in the distance. I didn’t hesitate—I jumped down onto the tracks, lifted him onto my shoulder, and got him up onto the platform just in time. In that moment, I wasn’t thinking about my own safety; I just knew he needed help. That experience reminded me how crucial it is to act quickly and selflessly when someone’s life is on the line.
What is the biggest responsibility you have ever been tasked with?
Being an NYPD officer was by far my greatest responsibility. Every day, I was trusted to protect the public and respond to emergencies under intense pressure. I had to make decisions that could save lives or calm dangerous situations. It was a constant balance of safety, compassion, and leadership—knowing that people counted on me to do what was right, even in the toughest moments.
raising my two children has been the most significant responsibility I’ve ever faced. Every day, I make decisions that shape who they become, from teaching them values to providing for their needs. Balancing parenthood with a demanding career and returning to school has tested my time management and resilience, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced?
I became homeless after my mother and father were hospitalized. I had nowhere stable to stay, so I slept on friends’ floors with just a sleeping bag and one suitcase. I worked a minimum-wage job and struggled to afford enough food. During that same time, I was taking college classes. It was an incredibly tough period, but it taught me to persevere under difficult circumstances. I learned to rely on others when I had to, and to keep my goals in sight even when life felt overwhelming.
Tell me about a time you’ve been judged unfairly.
As a white police officer, people sometimes assumed I was racist just because of my uniform. It hurt, because they had no idea who I was or why I chose this job. I went into law enforcement to help everyone, regardless of race or background. Over time, I learned that it’s so important to listen and try to understand where others are coming from. Even when I felt misunderstood, I stayed focused on doing my best to protect and serve my community.
What is the most difficult thing you’ve ever done?
The hardest decision I ever made was ending a pregnancy after we found out our baby had a severe neural tube defect. My wife and I were devastated, and we struggled with what was best for our family and our unborn child. Ultimately, we felt it was the most compassionate choice, but it took a heavy emotional toll. That experience taught me how vital empathetic and knowledgeable providers can be during life’s most vulnerable moments. It also reinforced my commitment to being that kind of supportive presence for my patients as a future PA.
