Last year at school we took a first aid course. I liked it a lot, and when the Red Cross started offering classes, I decided to sign up.
I passed the first-level exam (for telephone dispatch—basically sitting at a computer and waiting for calls), then the second level (for providing first aid at sports events and public gatherings, transporting people between hospitals), and finally the third level (for emergency medical services). Since I'm between 14 and 26 years old, I'm part of the Red Cross Pioneers. Beyond the standard Red Cross activities—the CSE (a socio-educational center where we transport disabled young people from their homes), the CRE (an equestrian rehabilitation center where we take disabled young people horseback riding), and event work—we also run programs to promote our principles. Each of us specializes in different areas: ApG (youth activities), clown work, emergency animators, development initiatives, and ACI (international communications with other Pioneers).
I'm an ApG animator (soon to be instructor), and my job, along with another girl animator, is to manage the youth activities. Basically, we organize learning-focused programs for children ages five to ten. When needed, we teach ApG workshops to new Pioneers in the region.
The Red Cross is demanding, but I love how I feel when I'm there. I know I'm being useful instead of sitting at home doing nothing, and the personal satisfaction is huge.
I've changed a lot since I started. From the outside you just think, "That's cool, he's got the uniform." But once you're in, you discover a different world and face realities you never imagined. Some days are fun—you're at the stadium helping with crowd control at a match. Other days you're out at an accident with five injured people and two overturned cars. When you're there, you can't say no. It's made me better, really. Maybe I'm still the same guy I always was, but I challenge anyone to tell me I'm not capable of handling my responsibilities.
I've got a full schedule—school, volleyball, and Red Cross—and I'm not planning to drop anything. (Well, if I can just make it through fifth year this year, that'd be great!) But I'd never give up volleyball or the Red Cross. It's all about managing your time. Volleyball is still my main door to the future—it's opening a lot of possibilities—so it gets top priority. But the moment I can, I'm the first to call and say, "If you need anything, today I'm free."
Cristobal Clavijo Zàrate, 2011
