Medical Terminology teacher and girls basketball coach Stephen Friar went through a significant career transition in his life. From hustling on call as a first responder to grading papers and talking about fractured bones, Friar has made the move from one career to another.

Wingspan’s Olivia Womack sat down with Friar to talk about his change in careers.

Wingspan: What was the transition between being a firefighter to being a high school teacher like?

Friar: “The transition has been a quite a change, but it’s been a change for good reasons. I enjoyed the firefighting, being a paramedic, and helping those in need. But, being at Liberty, teaching a subject I enjoy and have a lot of experience in, and lastly coaching a sport I’m extremely passionate about make the transition so much smoother.”   

Wingspan: Why did you want to become a teacher?

Friar: “A few reasons. First of all I love working with youth, and helping influence them in a positive way. Secondly I love basketball and have a desire to be a head coach one day. I was coaching club basketball while I was a fireman, but the schedule was so hectic that I had to give it up. Plus my wife was in education and our schedules did not coincide. So being a teacher makes things a lot easier on everybody.”

Wingspan: What made you want to be a firefighter?

Friar:  “I love helping people, and I grew up in the environment. My dad is still a fireman and has been one for 32 years. So I enjoyed the challenge and rush of being thrown into dangerous situations and making it out, and bringing calm to a stressful environment.”  

Wingspan: In what ways has being a firefighter changed you?

Friar: “I definitely have become more grateful for the life I’ve been blessed with. A lot of patients I made runs on didn’t have the best set of circumstances. Many were homeless, lived in broken families, had no means of quality education, etc. So I definitely am grateful for the life I’ve been blessed with. Also, I have been able to talk to people more openly. I am naturally a shy person, but that has brought me out of my shell a little bit.”  

Wingspan: What was your best experience being a firefighter?

Friar: “Hands down my best experiences have always been my child saves. I’ve been fortunate enough to have brought back several children during CPR, and also had one save during a fire.  The best stories are the ones where the people end up surviving.”

Wingspan: Have you always know you wanted to be one?

Friar: “Absolutely.”

Wingspan: What’s your favorite part of teaching here?

Friar: “Definitely the students. All of them make this job awesome, because it forces me to get to know them as people, instead of just students in a classroom.”

Wingspan: Have you ever considered another profession?

Friar:“Yes, I wanted to be a basketball player, or a professional musician, but I didn’t have the skills necessary for either one.”