To be a Frontline Worker, He Conquered Adversity and Freed His Aspiration

Published: February 03, 2025

“My journey to becoming an Emergency Room Technician has been shaped by trials that could easily have derailed my aspirations,” said 43-year-old Ezra Ashkenazy, reflecting on his past year of adversity; hardship that spiraled into a prior cycle of job loss, homelessness, and substance abuse.

For Ezra though, resilience, smarts and ambition have remained common denominators throughout his life, qualities that gave him the strength to break the cycle. “I have always enjoyed being in the classroom and this has in turn helped me to develop skills that will allow me to make an empathic difference in the lives of others. I want to be a steadfast presence in the emergency room, offering compassionate trauma and triage care.”

Now Ezra is well on his way to realizing his life’s calling. He is about to complete his last semester in Queensborough’s Continuing Education and Work Development (CEWD) Emergency Room Technician program. A long-time resident of Manhattan, Ezra must commute from his apartment on the Upper West Side — one hour and 40 minutes each way — to campus. “Queensborough has offered me the right set of circumstances to discover my potential in an exceptional program under the umbrella of CUNY.” 

An outstanding student, Ezra was encouraged to apply for the Career Success (formerly Helena Rubenstein) scholarship, which provides up to 90 percent of tuition for CEWD students at CUNY community colleges who are pursuing career and technical education programs, and who demonstrate financial need. It is meant specifically for those who do not have a college degree, are not pursuing a college degree, and who are looking to change careers. The program is competitive — CEWD receives many applications each semester. Ezra has received it twice within the past year.

"We are so proud of Ezra and offer our sincerest congratulations to him for receiving this scholarship for the second time," said Ekaterina Manafeeva, Executive Director of CEWD. "Ezra has overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in his life, and he is the perfect example of what the Career Success Scholarship program is all about — offering an alternative path to traditional educational and career training opportunities to those who need them most. We have no doubt that he will persevere and go on to positively impact the lives of so many as an Emergency Room Technician." 

And aspiring caregivers like Ezra are desperately needed.

The number of certified EMS providers in New York has declined 9 percent in the last ten years, according to the New York State Department of Health Bureau of EMS. The National Library of Medicine reports that a national shortage of EMS providers is a critical issue for the profession that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers have identified probable causes, including difficult workplace conditions, low wages, and burnout. 

Ezra’s calling was rooted in the loss of his parents who both passed away in the early 90's from HIV/AIDS. The trauma of watching their health deteriorate awakened his resolve to bring solace, expertise, and kindness to those in crisis. 

“My own life experiences have allowed me to deeply understand patients' fears and anxieties. This scholarship will be a pivotal milestone, empowering me to overcome recent financial hurdles and dedicate myself to finishing training.”

Ezra will receive his certificate in the spring. He intends to apply to leading hospitals throughout the New York City area.

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