ASU-Beebe “Life as a Vanguard” series introduces Carl Alford, emergency medical services major.
By Keaton Belote, marketing student intern
Alongside his academic aspirations in the field of emergency medical services, Alford also owns and operates a photo-printing business, which opened this January.
Why ASU-Beebe
Alford initially entered ASU-Beebe for a degree in criminal justice. However, he left the program in his second semester and volunteered with the Beebe Fire Department. He was then hired as an emergency medical technician at Southern Paramedic Services, where he currently works.
Alford said those experiences in emergency services caused him to return to ASU-Beebe and pursue paramedics with a newfound outlook on the field.
“Being at ASU-Beebe has allowed me to learn and discover who I am as a person and to pursue the career options that I want,” Alford said. “While, initially, those career options were law enforcement-focused, with time I have discovered enjoyment in emergency medical services.”
Experiences
Alford has been at ASU-Beebe for around three and a half years, with this his third semester in the paramedic program.
“I chose paramedics because I knew there was more that I could do to help people,” Alford said. “My work as an emergency medical technician has provided a real-world view of the daily interactions that an EMT experiences.”
Alford said his experiences on campus have also been enjoyable, and he ultimately aspires to continue the advancement of his education in paramedic and emergency medicine, as well as the expansion of his personal photography business.
“Since starting at ASU-Beebe in August of 2023, I have learned a tremendous amount— from what to do when your initial plan goes awry, to how to blaze your own trail down the path you want to go,” Alford said.
Inspirations
Alford has two notable figures of motivation in his life, the first being his mother.
“She has worked several jobs at a time tirelessly working as a single mother to provide for me,” Alford said. “Her pure stubbornness and tenacity have easily seeped into my framework and is why I push so hard to be successful.”
The other motivational figure is his uncle, whom Alford worked alongside in 2020 and 2021. According to Alford, his uncle instilled the work ethic and tenacity that drives him to always better himself and his surroundings.
Advice
When asked what he would say to convince a student to choose ASU-Beebe, Alford said, “I would tell them that it’s a beautiful campus in a small town that is growing at a steady pace. The opportunities are plentiful on campus, many people are kind, and the professors are always willing to help.”
Regarding advice for future students, Alford said, “If you’re scared to do it but you believe it is the right thing to do, just do it. The worst-case scenario is you lose a little bit of money, but you gain experience from it. Then you can keep trying and repeating until you start making money and acquiring knowledge. That's the end goal of everything.”
Fun Fact
Alford’s Field and Sky Company photography can be found on etsy at FieldAndSkyCo or Instagram at Carl.a.photography05.
Alongside photography, Alford enjoys doing solo traveling in his off time.
“Whether that's weekend trips that span over 2,600 miles or 40 miles, it's really just based on the direction I want to go,” Alford remarked.
Life as a Vanguard is a social media series produced by the ASU-Beebe Office of Marketing and Public Relations. These are ‘get toknow’ articles of interest about students, faculty, and staff within the Vanguard campus community. Nominations may be sent to pr@asub.edu.
Share on Social Media
