Kayla Linke is pursuing a Bachelors in Fire Science (Generalist) with an Associates in Paramedic Technology. She came to LSSU because she had several friends and coworkers who came here for the same degrees. They recommended the university because of its small class sizes and the fact that a bachelor’s degree was being offered in her field.
Linke stated that she has always had an interest in the medical field. Once she joined her fire department, it was affirmed that she wanted to have a full time career in fire fighting and emergency medicine for life. Since the two programs go hand in hand, it has enabled her to pursue this.
Linke stated, “Aside from the academic component, I have also learned the benefits of coming to a smaller institution where the professors take a more active role. They know me by name, and it is a very personal environment. They teach us life lessons in class because they have lived what we are looking to do and they pass down experiences so that we can get the real life aspect of our careers while still in the class room.”
Linke stated that after graduation in 2016, she plans to relocate out west and work for the Forest Service, and would like to serve as medical personnel on a smoke jumping crew. “I love fighting fires and being able to tie my medical training into doing what I really love,” stated Linke.