He is here to share with us what it takes to become a fire rescue officer. As I and many of my readers have older teenagers and young adults, I thought this is a relevant and interesting career path to learn about!

Building a Career as a Fire Rescue Officer

Being a firefighter is a noble profession, but it is not easy and neither is the process of becoming one. You will face immense competition, and the entire hiring process can be very challenging.

This is not something a lot of people succeed at, and over 70% of the applicants give up their dream of becoming a firefighter and opt for another profession which is easy to clear.

There are many reasons for it. One could be the lack of preparation. Many do not know what they are getting into when they start the process and do not prepare themselves appropriately. If you dream of becoming a firefighter, here are the things you must do to increase your chances of getting hired. 

1. Get an EMT certification

The majority of the departments require an EMT certification to apply, and almost 90% of them will need the certification once they hire. The fire department sees 70% or more of emergency events and it needs immediate medical-related responses which is why it makes sense to clear this prerequisite.

It also means that they will have to provide less training in the recruitment academy. Before you apply, you must pass the EMT training and gather experience as one. It will be very beneficial for you in the long term. If you are certain that you want to choose the path of a fire rescue officer, you must get an EMT certification and work as a paramedic. It will increase your opportunities in the industry. 

2. Volunteer

Whether it is a fire-related experience or a non-fire-related experience, volunteering will benefit you significantly. Some departments are looking for people who have the ability and desire to provide community services and doing volunteer service is a great way to build your resume and get references.

You will find several opportunities out there. All you need to do is find something that interests you. Burn camps can be a good place to volunteer and begin networking. Other opportunities include the American Red Cross or homeless shelters. 

3. Enroll in the fire technology class

While this is not a requirement for a job, it will look good on the resume and will help you prepare for a career in the fire industry. It shows that you are committed and dedicated to the career you have chosen. Take a semester-long class in building construction and fire behavior to make the most of this profession. You will get adequate training on the subject, and will help in case of injuries or line-of-duty deaths. 

4. Always have a clean background

No matter the profession you choose, having a clean background goes a long way. The best way to predict the future is your behavior. If you have a track record of problems like traffic tickets, accidents, violence, or arrests, it will become difficult for you to stand out in the crowd and beat the competition. While you cannot change your past, you can certainly make changes in the present which will benefit you for years to come. 

5. Be aware of the phases of the hiring process

If you are aware of the different phases of hiring, you will be able to approach it in the best manner. On the other hand, if you do not know how hiring works, how will you ever succeed? Different regions and different departments will have a unique selection process, but there will be some similarities you need to find. When you are familiar with the process as a whole and the steps that go into it, you will be able to prepare well. Do some research on the different departments in the area, where you will be tested, what are the different stages, and how you will be marked. 

6. Take firefighter tests 

The best way to understand the hiring process is by taking firefighter tests. With each test, you will be prepared for the next one. Do not worry even if you fail a part of the test, you should be concerned about the exposure you are getting, and you will get a better idea of what to expect in the future.

It is okay to fail at some point in the examination, and some of the best firefighters may have failed, but you still get to learn. Accept your mistakes and learn from them so that you do not repeat them. Once you begin taking tests, you will know more about your strengths and weaknesses. Keep yourself updated about the opportunities in the country since most departments will test infrequently. Some test every six months while some do every two years. Some also take one test in 10 years. This is the only way to get hired, and as long as you keep taking tests, you will continue to gain experience and be prepared for a life as a fire rescue officer. 

7. Visit the local fire stations 

You must take out time and head to the local fire stations. Try to visit the ones that are a part of the fire department you want to apply for. Speak to the firefighters there and learn more about the department, and the programs they may have. Talk to them about their journey, about their experiences, and the life they live now. If you see firefighter trophies there and are motivated to get one, speak to the right people and get as many insights from them as possible. Besides being a great resource, they are also the best people to start networking with. They have gone through the entire process and know what it takes. 

8. Prepare for a background investigation 

Many candidates are so well prepared for the different testing phases, but fail the background. This can be because they lied or had something in the report that got them disqualified. A background investigation is about 25 pages in length. It will ask for details about information from every employer and school you went to. Plus, they want details about the licenses, certificates, family members, credit history, accounts at different banks, and so much more. You will need to provide all the information once you make it through the process. Do not be the candidate that is out in the background check. 

Lastly, remember that it is not easy to build a career as a fire rescue officer. You will need to educate yourself about the opportunities. Be proactive in your quest for information and knowledge. Get hands-on experience to make the most of your education, and look at any opportunity to volunteer. Do not try and rush things because nothing will happen overnight. Hard work, patience, and perseverance will pay off. 

The post How to Build a Career as a Fire Rescue Officer appeared first on Stories of Our Boys.

I was eager to hear from our experts on this issue since I know most of my readers are in a similar phase of life as I am. Our kids are getting older, and we are in new, uncharted territory. Guiding and leading and taking good care of our older kids is a whole new experience, and I feel like we have so much to learn! So without further ado, here are a few things to look for.

Red Flags In Your Teen’s Behavior You Have To Be Aware Of

The teenage years can be a challenge as it is a time of transition in a household. A teen wants more independence which also requires more responsibility. Teenagers have to act like an adult in many situations. The drawback is that teens are rarely treated like adults or given a fraction of the freedom adults have. The power struggle in a home can be quite contentious, as raging hormones can lead to outbursts.

The teenage years are a very confusing time for a variety of reasons. Growing up in the digital age is a very different experience from what a number of current parents have. Exposure to so many different inappropriate pieces of content is possible without proper supervision. Below will outline various red flags to watch out for in terms of your teen’s behavior.

Be Aware Of Common Signs Of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can rear its ugly head during teenage years as a result of experimentation. Alcohol can be relatively easy to detect as it has a smell. Plus, bottles can be found. Asking for cash daily can be a sign of substance abuse as well, so monitor the spending that is going on. The friends that your teen hangs out with are going to play a direct role in their substance abuse. Certain friends will let parents know if they are concerned, while others also have substance use disorders.

Getting help for a teen that has a substance abuse problem needs to be done as early as possible. Adolescent substance abuse worsens much like other addictions unless a person gets help. You do not want an arrest to impact the opportunities your teen has going forward. 12-step groups are available online, as are virtual substance abuse counselors. You want to catch this early before the addiction gets too severe and nearly impossible to overcome.

Substance abuse does not stop at narcotics, as performance-enhancing drugs are a growing issue. The ability to make money in high school and college sports can be a huge temptation. Top athletes can be enticed by huge offers or those looking to have them gain an edge illegally. Keep this in mind if you notice sudden gains in athletic performance without increased work being done.

Grades Have Suddenly Dropped Out Of Nowhere

Grades that are dropping suddenly without explanation can be a sign something could be wrong. Bullying is common at schools, and with technology, bullies use social media to torment teens at home. Teens might not have this issue, but addressing grades dropping is important. You do not want to regret not addressing the grades when a teen is struggling mentally. Confronting a teen about their grades can allow them to open up about what is happening.

A bad relationship or even a huge disagreement with a teacher could be an issue. Teachers seem to be projecting opinions on students and do not react well when a student does not agree. Unfortunately, this happens at all schools at all levels, as educators are human and have opinions on various subjects.

Very Secretive About Certain Relationships

Abusive relationships do not only happen among romantic partners but also around friends. Teens struggle with wanting to be liked while setting boundaries with those in their lives. Emotional abuse can happen through gaslighting or minimizing issues that are brought up. You should want to meet your teen’s friends or at least know details about them. Falling into the wrong crowd is a recipe for contentious teenage years.

With this being said, all teens have a bit of a rebellious nature as is natural as their hormones change. Take solace in your teen standing up for themselves, as it can be tough at that age.

The difference between being secretive and wanting privacy is a parent’s job to figure out. Teens are inherently embarrassed by their parents, so bringing new friends around might be an event causing stress. Take time to get to know your teen’s friends in some capacity. You will, of course, have those favorite friends and those that you are not so fond of.

Teenage romantic relationships are a nightmare that you can offer advice on when asked. Offering this advice unsolicited can seem like you are trying to interfere in the relationship from your teen’s perspective. Limiting contact at some points can be done via extracurriculars which can look great on a college application. You do not want to forbid your teen to see someone, as the forbidden romance angle can actually encourage a relationship to fizzle out.

Loss Of Interests In Their Passions

Losing interest in previous passions can happen without any problems. Kids grow out of phases, but there are those that they love for a lifetime. Seeing a hobby fade into the past overnight can be a sign something related to the hobby is not going well. Quitting sports could be due to a lack of performance or time actually playing. Teens want to spend time with friends rather than practicing for hours without seeing any playing time for months of their year.

Keep Lines Of Communication Open

A teen might not want to talk about certain aspects of their lives. Forcing them to share these can lead to them lying and parents having no idea what is actually occurring in their teen’s life. Try to keep your initial reactions internal. Your teen might close lines of communication if they feel judged.

Understanding what is important to your teen can allow you to be excited for them when something happens in this area of their life. A teen could be passionate about sports or theater, and understanding what they want to accomplish is imperative. Investing time in learning about their passions can be a great way to bond. Red flags in a teen’s behavior can indicate there is an area of their life going wrong. Keep an eye on your teen without being too invasive. Teens with overbearing parents become experts at masking their feelings or keeping their behavior a complete secret.

For more articles on parenting preteens & teenagers:

Our Tour of Liberty University

Hey! It’s okay to tweak your school plan midyear.

The post Expert Guest Post: Red Flags in Your Teen’s Behavior to Be Aware of appeared first on Stories of Our Boys.

I recently took my two teenage sons to tour Liberty University. This was so exciting and felt like such a big deal to me. It was my first college tour as the mom instead of as the nervous/excited high school kid.

I still felt nervous/excited to be on a college tour, but now it is for the futures of my sons rather than for myself. Those late high school and college years are such a hopeful time, full of seemingly endless possibilities. I had my turn, and now it is theirs.

My rising senior went on a church trip to tour Liberty University back in the fall, so he started out with a greater knowledge of this school than I had.

We learned a wealth of information about Liberty on this tour, and of course, I want to tell you all about it.

For starters, Liberty is in Lynchburg, Virginia, which was farther from home than I thought. I was expecting three hours for some reason, but I probably missed a turn or two. It took us more like four hours. It felt like a long drive, for sure.

Actually, I went to college three and a half to four hours from home, so this is pretty much the same as my college experience.

Liberty University campus tours are super simple to set up.

They give group tours every single day of the week at set times. Tours are typically at 9am and 2pm, Monday-Saturday. Sunday tours are at 2pm. Go here to see their schedule. It does change when there are football games or special events on campus.

Our boys are considering Liberty University, among other options.

I am especially intrigued by the Christian atmosphere and classes. Plus, I like that the school is so big that it has so many options for choosing a major. I feel like there is nothing they cannot pursue from here.

Plus, I think this school could be an excellent fit for my oldest son, so I was eager to check it out. He seems to like it too, but he has not decided if he wants to leave home for college yet.

Our tour group had two tour guides and about twenty prospective students with their parents.

The first half of the tour was all on foot. They took us to two different types of dorm rooms. We also got to go into a couple of different academic buildings and sit in a real classroom. Of course, it was summer, so the campus was very quiet and the classrooms were empty.

Our tour guides were current students at the university, and those kids had memorized book loads of information about their school. We learned an exhaustive amount about life at Liberty University. I left the tour exhausted but with all of my questions answered.

Here are just a few things we learned about student life at Liberty University:

-Professors do not get tenure. They gave reasons for why this was a good thing, but it made me feel a little bad for the professors. Job security is a valuable thing.

-There are three different styles of dorm rooms. One is the traditional type that I had back in my college years at the University of Alabama, where you have the good old fashioned community bathrooms. The other two styles are more luxurious.

-They have a cadaver lab “open to select undergraduate biomedical science students.” One of our tour guides was able to work and learn in the cadaver lab while she was still in her undergraduate years. That was impressive and shocking to me. That is a rare privilege for students at that stage.

-If you put in your application using the bar code they give you on your tour, within two weeks of your tour, you get to waive the $50 college application fee. So yes, our son already applied. I do like to save $50.

-It is an all walk campus, and there are buses that bring kids from the more distant dorm buildings to the center of campus.

-There are accountability rules governing student behavior, way more structure than at a public, secular university.

-Students must be back at the dorms each weeknight by midnight.

-Students must attend weekly convocation.

-Liberty has over 15,000 students on campus. This is almost as big as the University of Alabama was when I went there twenty years ago.

-All admittance to sports games and gym membership is covered in your tuition and fees, so you feel like you are going to major NCAA football and basketball games for free. (That’s the privilege of being a student. Parents still have to buy a ticket.)

-The Liberty University gym is incredible. I am not sure there is anything you cannot find in there. It is humongous. It even has its own food court.

-There is only one library. It is very large, but I found this odd for such a big school.

-The library has one of those robotic storage systems. Many of the books are still on the traditional library shelves, but many are stored in this robotic system. We got to see it in action, and my mind was a little bit blown. You can even check out miscellaneous items like a shop vac or a sewing machine.

-Sorry to keep going on about the library, but I was also impressed and feeling old to see standing/exercise desks in the library too. Things have changed so much in twenty years!

-The tour guides did speak frequently about the importance of Liberty being a Christ-centered college. Their mission is to train champions for Christ. That was really encouraging to me. I loved that.

-There are so many scholarship opportunities! With four kids to help through college, that is a big deal to me too.

-One of the scholarships is for Virginia domicile residents, and it is a good one. Of course, that depends on us actually staying in Virginia, which I cannot promise to do…

Altogether, I just loved this school.

If I were the student instead of the mom, I would be like, “Where do I sign up???” I know I would have loved going to school there.

But the question is, did the boys love it?

They definitely liked it. I think either of them could end up enrolling at Liberty. Neither of them complained about anything, but neither of them was like, “Yes! I have to go here!!” Also, neither of them have toured any other schools yet. That makes a big difference too.

So this process has just begun for us. One college down, and several to go. So far this one is my personal favorite, but I know it is not my decision. I promise I will behave and let them choose their school for themselves.

The post We Toured Liberty University & This is What We Learned. appeared first on Stories of Our Boys.