Meet members of Geneseo's Class of 2017, who exemplify the college’s commitment to community, innovation, creativity, sustainability, and excellence. In the coming weeks, student writers will highlight our newest alumni and the contributions they have made, the calling they have found and discoveries made along the way. Hear Kelsey's favorite Geneseo memory and what she values most here.
At Geneseo, Kelsey Costello ’17 has used her skills and time with this mission: to be a positive influence on the Geneseo community.
She is the chief of operations for Geneseo First Response (GFR) — a state-certified emergency medical services agency run by student volunteers. She is also an intern of the University Police and a member of the college’s Sexual Assault Response Team, trained to confidentially drive survivors of sexual assault to Strong Hospital in an unmarked vehicle.
This spring, Costello was awarded the EMS Provider of the Year Award from the National Collegiate EMS Foundation.
“It feels great to be recognized for all the personal time, effort and sacrifice that goes into being a collegiate EMS provider and the leader of an agency,” says Kelsey. “It is fulfilling to be a part of that positive impact; but beyond that, it makes me happy to see the GFR team — and, indeed, collegiate EMS more broadly — get the heightened recognition they deserve for the value they bring to our communities.”
Costello is the first woman to receive the EMS award in more than 13 years.
“EMS is certainly a male-dominated field, so it feels empowering to demonstrate the strength of leadership and service that women in any field can exhibit,” said Costello. “Part of me thinks it’s crazy that it has been so long since another woman was selected for the award, but I think part of that discrepancy is the relative underrepresentation of women in EMS. But I think we’re changing that, especially here at Geneseo.”
What has Costello learned on GFR? Teamwork is essential for a 24/7 service. She says she and her crew had to develop social and communication skills necessary to provide quality, professional care in emergencies.
After graduation, Costello wants to continue to advance GFR’s reputation in the community and may attend nursing school. No matter where the future takes her, Costello plans to stay involved in dedicating her time to EMS to make a difference in the lives of others on the front line, and the broader United States’ healthcare system.
“There are many opportunities I’ve had because I’ve been here at Geneseo, but I think perhaps the most significant has been the opportunity to discover my own power of self-determination,” said Costello. “The breadth of options has helped me understand that I am free to choose my own pursuits and to develop my own strengths.”
— by Alex Ciarcia ’17