Jason Bush is an Integrated Studies major from Attalla, Alabama. He is also a father, grandfather, and the Assistant Fire Marshal for the City of Gadsden. A busy student to say the least, Jason has taken the opportunity to go back to school in order to further his career. He spends the majority of his time helping other people; now, JSU is helping him achieve his educational goals.

What do you like to do when you have free time?
I like to spend my free time with my Granddaughter, Aubree. I also like to hunt and go to sporting events.

Why did you choose to work in your profession?
I’ve always enjoyed working with people. This job affords me the opportunity to come in contact with a lot of people that are having a bad day, and I try to help make it better.

Why did you choose to come to JSU?
Initially, in 2000, I was working at Gulf States Steel, and they were about to shut down because of foreign trade. The government agreed to pay for two years of school. With family obligations, I needed to go to school somewhere close to home. JSU worked well for me.

What is the most exciting part of being a college student?
I’ve always enjoyed college. I have a general education degree from Gadsden State along with a paramedic certificate and a welding certificate. JSU is making it possible for me to go back to school and get a bachelor’s degree and possibly further my career.

What made you decide to earn a degree in Integrated Studies?
I am attempting to earn a degree from JSU to further my career. Integrated Studies allows me the opportunity to pick classes that interest me and that are useful to my job.

What types of challenges have you faced while pursuing this degree?
Time constraint is my biggest hurdle. I have two children; one is in nursing school and one is a senior in high school. My 21-month-old granddaughter also lives with me, so my family keeps me very busy.

How were you able to use work experience towards your degree?
I’ve been a firefighter and a paramedic for the city of Gadsden for 17 years. I have to maintain a national registry and many other certifications (CPR, ACLS, BCLS, PALS) to keep my paramedic license. I also have certifications in Fire Investigator I and II. JSU allowed me to use this experience as 15 hours of my Integrated Studies degree.

What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I can’t imagine a more rewarding career. I’ve spent 17 years getting to help people, and I’ve also had the chance to work with a fantastic group of people who I consider brothers.