Harpur’s Ferry members continue their work at home

A volunteer, student-run ambulance service, Harpur’s 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 didn’t leave their volunteer work in Binghamton.

Members of Harpur’s 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.

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

Rockland County has also been hit hard by the pandemic. Freshman integrative neuroscience major Lexis Rosenberg lives in New City, Rockland County, and has been hard at work, and senior biochemistry major Albany resident Jared Frick responded to a request to provide emergency urgent aid in Rockland County.

“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 Harpur’s Ferry are also managing to stay on top of their schoolwork during the final weeks of the semester.

“I’m 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 can’t express my appreciation for them enough.”

Between all the hard work and late nights, the Harpur’s Ferry team has found some silver linings and rewards. Rosenberg recounts a happy experience with a recovered patient.

“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, it’s extremely rewarding when you know you made a positive impact on someone’s 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 I’m 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.”

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

If you’re 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!”