Tim Carstensen

I am 22, my life is the gift of a surgeon, and I still have two-thirds left. I find joy in every day, especially in being a meaningful difference in lives that cross my own. I encapsulated this idea of success in an article published in INK magazine while I was still in high school, kickstarting my pursuit of writing as a novelist.

I landscaped, mannied, coached, and tutored my way through high school, also finding time to volunteer at a local medical clinic. In college, I also tutored, worked as an audio tech for a college band, led guided tours at a local candy factory, and valeted cars. I took a summer off and traveled to Chavuma, Zambia, where I volunteered as a medical aide and a substitute teacher for a nearby elementary school. That experience inspired me to continue teaching at a local high school when I returned home, until I was admitted to Sonoma State University's nursing program.

I am currently a Certified Nursing Assistant, I've trained as an Emergency Medical Technician, and hope to work through the rest of my Nursing education as an Emergency Room Technician, or a similar hospital employee.

I've had a great life, so far, and I'm excited to find out what's next for me.