For Lilianne Young, one of the best parts about life as a first responder, she says, is the fact that she gets to be a “happy note” in an otherwise “tough time” for her community.
Having just moved to the Hudson Valley from her home state of Texas, working at NDP is also proving to be a happy note in her life. We caught up with the Paramedic recently to learn more about her journey - and how this new chapter in her career and life are bringing her so much joy.
Lilianne, tell us about your upbringing.
I grew up in Rockwall, Texas and then moved to Bryan-College Station, Texas to attend Blinn College. There, I earned my Associates in Emergency Medical Services, and I obtained my certification as a Paramedic in 2022.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a first responder?
My original plan was to build a career in the Air Force; I explored that route for a while and then realized it wasn’t a fit. I think deep down I always knew I wanted to do something healthcare-related, but I just wasn’t clear on what that might look like. As someone who likes to always go, go, go, and someone who loves to help others, EMS has been a perfect choice.
How did you make your way to NDP EMS?
Mine was a one-year program - and since my sister goes to school in New York and I knew I wanted to travel, once I finished, I decided to make the move north as well. I found a place in Poughkeepsie, and (prior to finding NDP), I got my first job in this area with another company - but that first employer was not a great match for me because I wasn’t getting the experience I wanted. Not only did I barely get any time on actual medic-related calls with that first company, but the work environment wasn’t what I had hoped for.
However, that all changed when I was lucky enough to interview with NDP EMS and I got the job here! It’s been incredible at NDP - the people are fantastic, and this is the best job ever! NDP has allowed me to really use my skills and knowledge, and I’m getting real 911 experience all the time - so much more than at my other job - but at a great pace. Working for NDP is exciting and fulfilling and fun. I’m so glad I found this company; it really has everything I could want or need.
How are you enjoying the Hudson Valley?
I absolutely love it here. The people are great, and I love hiking and there’s so much of it to do! I enjoy going to Mount Beacon where the views are gorgeous just like they are as we drive the roads to calls during a workday at NDP (in Texas the roads were SO flat!!) I have a very flexible schedule, mostly working from NDP’s Rhinebeck location, and so I really get to fully enjoy the area. I even love the cold weather and I definitely don’t want to go back to Texas. I am so happy in New York and love working at NDP.
What do you most enjoy about working with your NDP EMS colleagues?
The people at NDP are just so great! Everyone is really comfortable with each other, and we all care about helping people out. One of my first shifts was the 4th of July and we had a big cookout, and that’s the kind of thing you see a lot of at NDP - people building friendships with their team members, etc. And to be in a role where I can help people is so important to me; I love that. To be a real “happy note” for people in a hard time, and to be there for someone to provide a little light on a dark day - it’s amazing.
What has been the biggest life lesson for you?
Take care of yourself and those around you.
When people refer to first responders as unsung heroes, how do you feel?
It definitely feels a little unknown in a way - it seems like people don’t realize that we are the first ones people see in a major crisis. Our job is to remember that we’re the calm of someone’s storm. People don’t necessarily think about this as a career path, but they should consider it if they want to help people. And they should find a place like NDP where they can really directly make an impact on the lives of others and work in a great environment. It makes a big difference.
Can you tell me what your professional vision is for the future?
I plan to continue in EMS for a few years, and then I might go into nursing. Right now, I’m getting great experience - but I may want to work in a hospital one day in the future.
What is your advice to a young person considering this path? If you love moving around, helping people, and like each day to be a little different - and you want to make a difference in your community - then go for it! And NDP is the place to do it. We have a great quality of life here.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In addition to hiking, I also love indoor climbing. I’ve been doing that for over a year. Both are a nice way to recharge!
If you feel inspired to follow Lilanne’s footsteps with a career at NDP EMS, visit ndpems.com/careers and apply today!