User blog:Gabe Bingham/Intro Post

Hi everyone, my name is Gabe Bingham, I am 19 and live in Franklin, NC. I am taking this class as the last step in obtaining my AAS degree in Criminal Justice. I actually participated in the graduation ceromony last Saturday at my local community college (but need this class to finish my degree). A little about me, I have two older brothers, one is a Paramedic/Firefighter, the other is a Police Officer. All three of us are volunteer firefighters for our community department. I have wanted to be in law enforcement since I was very young (as most kids do) this is a dream I have never swayed from. I was made an honoray deputy and sworn in with the other deputies in 2010, this was something my community made possible due to some major health issues I experienced. I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease when I was eight, which led to me spending much of my childhood in hospitals, I had to have both my native kidneys removed and was on dialysis for a period of time before I recieved a kidney transplant. I still have to travel to Cincinnati Ohio for medical care as well as to Duke. I have meet many interesting people, and this experience has taught me to never give up. I work hard and persevere, and have an excellent support system. I am excited to finish my goal this summer and will begin the BLET program in July (shortly after this class ends) once I complete that I plan to pursue a career with the NC State Highway Patrol as well as working for the local Sheriffs Department. I hope everyone has a great summer semester. Gabe