Lisa Hartmayer, RN, a nurse at UCSF Medical Center who was selected to be one of the Olympic torchbearers, is proud of her moment in history.
Hartmayer, who will enter the UCSF School of Nursing as a graduate student in the Occupational and Environmental Health program this fall, says the experience on April 9 was part of what she refers to as a "sustainable journey."
Hartmayer was happy to answer these questions about the Olympic torch relay - its only trek through the United States
- for
UCSF Today.
Q: How did it feel to carry the torch through the streets of San Francisco?
A: While carrying the torch, I felt feelings I have never experienced before. It was a mix of excitement, honor, reality, hope and fear. Being a part of such a monumental event gave me a new perspective on how deep and interconnected we all are. For me, carrying this torch stemmed from the theme "A Sustainable Journey."
I was chosen as one of the torchbearers because of the essay I wrote about how much I care for my community and making it a better place. Only while I was carrying the torch did I truly feel the power and symbolism of the flame. Looking around at the helicopters, buses, motorcycle police and the San Francisco Bay, I felt that this event was the least sustainable and environmentally friendly event I had ever been a part of.
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Lisa Hartmayer, a nurse at UCSF Medical Center, carries the Olympic torch during a trek in San Francisco on April 9. |
I was deeply moved by the expressions on both the faces of the protesters as well as those in support of the torch. Connecting the environmental aspects and the human rights issues involved with the Beijing Olympics, it was very clear that collectively we have the power to make our global community very ill and unhappy or a healthier, balanced world. I believe that it is the right time to bring environmental and human rights issues to the forefront and address them as one world.
I was honored to be among other amazing torchbearers, and the day was truly about hearing their stories and the obstacles that they have overcome, as well as their dreams and aspirations. I feel that I am still digesting my torch experience.
Q: Did you consider not carrying the torch for fear of your safety?
A: No, I was never afraid for my personal safety.
Q: How do you think the event was handled by city officials?
A: I believe the two goals of the event were to run the torch in San Francisco and to keep the torchbearers safe. City officials did what they needed to do to accomplish those goals. I was disappointed for those who traveled, especially for the family members of torchbearers, to not be able to see the torch run. In the end, I'm glad that no one was physically hurt.
Q: Which stretch did you run, and was it difficult to change the route?
A: I ran on Bay Street near Fort Mason. The torchbearers were told that the route was changed after waiting on the bus for almost two hours, and then we were dropped off along the new route. We all embraced the spirit of the challenge.
Q: What are some of your favorite moments watching the Olympics over the years?
A: I grew up knowing the story of the "Miracle on Ice" during the 1980 Olympic Games, where the US ice hockey team defeated the Soviet Union in Lake Placid, NY. When I was little, I used to figure skate at the 1980 Olympic rink in Lake Placid. I would dream of what it would be like to participate in the Olympics.
The idea of sports that could transcend borders and language barriers, where the best athletes could compete against each other, was always something I wanted to be a part of. I lived part of my dream in playing ice hockey at the University of Connecticut after helping them turn from a club sport to an NCAA Division I women's ice hockey team. Carrying the torch for me was finally becoming a part of the Olympics spirit.
Q: Your essay mentioned your efforts in sustainability at UCSF. What message do you have for the campus community?
A: We are facing very serious environmental issues, and it is up to every person to take action towards a more sustainable future. Each individual has a role to play in making the campus and medical center a more environmentally healthy place. As a nurse, I see how often my patients struggle to simply get out of bed. In seeing how such a small act for most can be a person's greatest goal for the day, it has taught me to never take anything for granted.
My message to the UCSF community is to not take our health and wealth for granted. We should make personal as well as community efforts to make better choices. We all need to use less - turn off or unplug items not in use. Taking alternative public transportation to work is very important. Simple choices make a difference, and it is everyone's responsibility. Earth Day is something to think about every day.
Q: How long have you worked at UCSF, and why were you attracted to work here?
A: I have worked at UCSF for over three years, if you consider my numerous travel nursing assignments. I came to UCSF as a travel nurse to experience San Francisco, and I ended up falling in love with the community. I decided to become staff at the hospital because of the people who work here. I felt that the nursing community here at UCSF embraces their nurses and respects their work.
I love working in the medical-surgical resource team (float pool) because I have the opportunity to work with nurses in many different departments. I feel a sense of community teamwork within the medical center. I also love the challenge and ability to use many different skills with a variety of patients in working in the float pool. I also am very excited to be entering as a graduate student at UCSF's School of Nursing Occupational and Environmental Health division in the fall.
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Winning Words
Below is
Lisa Hartmayer's essay in full.
Being
a Registered Nurse feeds my soul and allows me to give back to my community
daily; I'm nourished by the people, my work and the environment.
I helped
initiate the Green Group, an interdisciplinary team working to make UCSF
more environmentally friendly, through education and action.
It is
part of my responsibilities, as a global citizen, to work towards community
sustainability. I have helped increase recycling efforts. I've also
helped organize a public conference, Focus the Nation, where we will educate
our community about global climate change and health care. I'm driving
the movement towards eliminating harmful chemicals from our workplace,
to prevent our children from the devastating effects of environmental
toxics.
My personal
journey is to create a paradigm shift towards a more environmentally friendly
health care system. If I can help change my hospital and my community,
I can help the world.
I have
always dreamed of participating in the Olympics because of the spirit
of being one world.
I feel
I have helped start a movement at UCSF. I have inspired others to do what
is right and to give them the opportunity to make sustainable changes
within themselves and in our community. |
