1. What is your name, which TSD schools did you attend, and what year did you graduate?
My name is Samantha Poirier. I grew up in Berthoud where my parents still live. I went to Ivy Stockwell Elementary, Turner Middle School and Berthoud High School. I graduated in 2005.
2. What have you been doing since graduation, and what is your proudest accomplishment?
I have been going nonstop since I graduated! I went to CSU for two years where I thought I wanted to be an equine veterinarian. Then I moved to Galena, Illinois to become a professional horse trainer. I absolutely loved that job, and did very well at it, but I wanted to pursue a career in Aviation. I moved back to Colorado and began flight school. Working two jobs, I achieved my private fixed wing license from Colorado Contrails in Loveland. I moved to Alaska and then attained my rotorcraft ratings, and gained experience for the next 6 years. I got my commercial license in McMinnville, Oregon and my instrument license in Costa Mesa, California. From everything to drying cherry trees, flying people from their weddings, air tours, wildlife survey and capture, I lived all over gaining hours and experience. In March of 2019, I began my career with REACH Air Medical/UCHealth LifeLine 1 at Medical Center of The Rockies. This is by far my proudest accomplishment: Flying a medical helicopter with a lifesaving crew, to help people.
3. What is your best memory of school?
Some of my best memories of school were riding the bus home with my best friends, doing the sack mask parade at Ivy, and playing in band in high
school.
4. What was your biggest challenge during school?
Fitting in. I never really had a certain group of friends. From playing soccer to being in band to being a horse girl, I always had a challenge finding a certain group of friends to fit in with.
5. What do you know now that you wish your younger self had known?
That I was capable of so much more than I ever thought I could be. I never ever thought as a young girl that I would be capable of being a pilot, let alone fly a lifesaving helicopter.
6. What advice would you give to students in school now?
Never stop following your dreams. Dream big, and follow your dreams. Be your own biggest supporter. Hold yourself accountable. Being persistent and never giving up is most important. Don’t get discouraged, because life will throw you curves. Dust yourself off, and keep looking forward.
7. Name one person who changed your life for the better during school and how they did it.
It was my dad. He is the hardest working, kindest, most selfless person I know. He always worked hard, provided for our family, supported my sister and me, and pushed us to be good people.
8. If you could wave a magic wand and change something about your school years, what would it be?
If I could change something about my school years, I wish I had worried less about figuring out the future and focused more on enjoying that unique time of life. At the same time, I don’t regret studying well and trying hard.
I honestly don’t think I would change much. I truly loved my school years.
9. How did school prepare you for what you are doing now?
Berthoud was a small town and it taught me that it doesn’t matter if you lose or win every soccer or football game – It’s the friendships and relationships that matter.
10. What do you hope to accomplish in the future?
I am helping Larimer County Sheriff’s Office develop an Air Unit for search and rescue operations in northern Colorado on the side of flying EMS. Being a member on the team to help develop this program means a lot to me, and also gives back to the community. I hope to move up in my company management-wise too. I also hope to always keep my helicopter, crew and myself safe on every mission we fly.