By Sophia Cavalluzzi

May 18, 2020

A volunteer, student-run ambulance service, Harpurs Ferry has been a crucial asset to Binghamton University since the 1970s. Since the transition to virtual learning, many of its members have gone back to their hometowns but they didnt leave their volunteer work in Binghamton.

Members of Harpurs Ferry are serving as EMS staff in their respective hometowns, responding to COVID-19 patients. Sophomore integrative neuroscience major Kristen Coletti went home to Long Island, but has been working in New York City, the epicenter of the pandemic.

Im currently working at a hotel in Times Square that houses homeless COVID-19 positive patients, Coletti said. Its been a very humbling experience that has allowed me to reflect on my own life and things I take for granted each day.

Jared Frick left his home in Albany to provide aid in Rockland County. Image Credit: Provided.

The struggles I face working here are nothing compared to what the community is facing, Frick said. The situation is leaving certain populations, like the elderly, with an incredibly difficult decision to make that, for many, is ending up in a death sentence.

While healing patients and worrying about their own personal health, members of Harpurs Ferry are also managing to stay on top of their schoolwork during the final weeks of the semester.

Im taking 22 credits at Binghamton this semester, so my course load was already a bit heavy, but not overwhelming, Frick said. The faculty here have been incredibly understanding of my situation, and I cant express my appreciation for them enough.

Lexis Rosenberg has been working in Rockland County, her hometown area. Image Credit: Provided.

When we were transporting a patient from the hospital to a rehab center after fighting COVID-19, the hospital played Fight Song as we were leaving and a bunch of nurses and doctors lined up and were cheering for the patient, she said. I know for the patient and me that it felt amazing; that there is hope.

Logan Strobing is working in Merrick, Long Island, feeling lucky to be getting through all of this with amazing coworkers.

Experiencing this with them has definitely made us closer, said Strobing. Additionally, its extremely rewarding when you know you made a positive impact on someones day. First responders have been getting so much love from everyone right now, and it definitely makes a difference.

Coletti is also realizing her part in the bigger picture.

The biggest reward is realizing that Im part of something bigger than myself, she said. When I commute into Manhattan and I see all of the other essential workers heading to their jobs, I find myself thinking about the millions of people that are putting themselves at risk every day for the health of our country.

Harpurs Ferry students, risking their own health to help their communities, are doing it all, and doing it well.

If youre worried or feeling stressed during this time, take it from Strobing: There is a light at the end of the tunnel; we just have to endure this together!

More here:
Harpurs Ferry members continue their work at home - Binghamton University