Sofia De Jong

Artist Statement

Fall Three Times, Get Up Four

The words “police and fire” often go hand in hand when talking about first responders, but what about us?

We are here, too. Day and night, 24/7, ready at all times. And lately, we have gotten attention.

We have seen outrage over our lack of personal protection equipment, praise as heroes on the front lines, and special treatment during this particularly strange time in history.

We receive all of this for what many of us view as simply doing the jobs we have always been doing.

I am always on the front lines.

I am always working overtimes.

I am always on the verge of burn out.

I am always giving my all.

I am always going to lose patients to the grip of death.

I will always be here.

Day and night, 24/7, ready at all time.

And no matter how many times I fall, I will get up again.

For Myself And For Others

I have a mantra to remind me why I am the way I am.

I am kind, because why be cruel?

I have courage, because others might not.

I speak the truth, because it must be spoken.

I do what is right, because it must be done.

And I do it all for myself, and for others.

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