Volunteer EMT earns Nursing degree and President’s Award
Samuel Lynch remains grounded in stressful situations, while pursuing vaccine research, assistant teaching and advocating for his patients.
What happens after a 911 call concludes? As an EMT and 911 volunteer with experience in wilderness rescues, Samuel Lynch knew plenty about the first part of emergency response.
“We get handoff in the hospital and, for the most part, our job is done,” he said.
He was intrigued, though, by what came next, so he decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Metropolitan State University of Denver. That choice has led to a degree, a career path — and a President’s Award.
“It’s incredible and special to be honored in this way,” Lynch said.
Lynch found his way to MSU Denver after moving to Colorado from Montana with his now-fiancée. An outdoor enthusiast, he is a volunteer EMT with the Highland Rescue Team Ambulance District, providing prehospital care and patient transport in stressful situations.
As a student, Lynch has added even more hats: student representative in the Department of Nursing, teaching assistant in anatomy and physiology classes, undergraduate research assistant to David Merriam, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Biology. In the lab, he investigated the immune system’s response to tuberculosis vaccines, earning a mini-grant and presenting his work at the University’s Undergraduate Research Conference.
Volunteerism and community service have also been part of Lynch’s journey — a result, he said, of his commitment to those who face systemic barriers to health care. “I’m Hispanic, and as somebody who has those language skills, I have a certain responsibility to use those in a way that’s going to benefit people who might not have access to culturally competent care,” he said. “As a nurse and health care worker, I think we have a duty to advocate for our patients — not just for their health, but in everything we do.”
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Though Lynch said he never had awards in mind when he started attending MSU Denver, he’s proud of his accomplishment. “I worked really hard and enjoyed what I was doing,” he said. “I wanted to soak up as much as I could and get the most out of my education.” He credits MSU Denver with giving him the skills he needs to help others.
After graduation, he plans to work in community health or emergency nursing.
Lynch credits his success to the ability to be present in the moment. A devoted backpacker and fly fisher, he uses the peace he finds outside to help him serve others under pressure. “We get some pretty intense calls,” he said, and reminded himself that he’s not the one going through the emergency. “Taking the time to ground yourself before going in is important,” he said.
When asked how he’ll use his expertise and award, Lynch responded with characteristic modesty: “I want other people to take my story and feel inspired and empowered to help out in their own community.”
