Student Spotlight: Christian Alvarez-Torres
Originally from Puerto Rico, Christian Alvarez-Torres recently graduated from the EMS program at Cape Fear Community College. His service in the United States Marine Corps and experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant have shaped his passion for helping others and prepared him for a successful future in the medical field.
With plans to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington, he aspires to earn his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and ultimately become a nurse anesthetist.
Where are you originally from?
I moved to Wilmington, DE, in the summer of 2013, where my family had relocated. When I first moved, I did not know how to speak English. Feeling an urgent need to communicate, I enrolled in an ESL certificate program and learned to speak English within three months.
Why did you join the United States Marine Corps?
After earning my ESL certificate, I began taking college courses. At that time, I needed a significant change in my life that would help me mature and succeed. I decided to join the United States Marine Corps. I served on active duty from March 2017 to March 2021 and as a reservist from March 2021 to October 2024. The Marine Corps played a significant role in shaping the person I am today.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
After the end of my active-duty contract with the Marines, I decided to go back to college and earn my degree. I moved to Colorado, where I earned my CNA certification and worked at a VA facility. Although Colorado was beautiful, I missed the ocean and warmer weather, so I returned to Wilmington, NC. That’s when I discovered my passion for becoming an EMT and enrolled in CFCC’s EMS program. I have always been drawn to the medical field because I love helping others and making a difference in my community.
What has your experience been like in the program so far?
The EMS program at CFCC has been great and very interactive, which I love because I am a hands-on learner most of the time. All my instructors ensured that I understood everything they were teaching. Another of my favorites was all the hands-on labs, where we practiced everything we learned in class.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while studying to become a paramedic?
One of my biggest challenges was finding the best way to study and learn the material I was being taught, especially memorizing all the medication dosages and procedures. It’s a job that can be very emotional and stressful sometimes. I always focus on my career and what I am there to do. At the end of the day, it works for me.
It’s crucial to take care of yourself to care for others. That’s why I do if I ever need to talk to someone or visit my doctor. I make sure I am 100% for the patients who depend on me to help them.
What are your career goals after graduating?
I am preparing to attend UNCW as a pre-nursing student, where I will earn my BSN and eventually become a nurse anesthetist. I plan to work as a paramedic while I attend nursing school at UNCW. This way, I will give back to my community by helping them whenever needed.
What advice would you give someone considering pursuing a paramedic program or a career in EMS?
I encourage anyone considering a career in EMS to go for it. It’s incredibly rewarding to help others in their time of need and even save lives. I love making a positive impact on my community, and if you’re passionate and committed to this work, you can make a real difference and save countless lives.
