In a small corner of Knoxville, a seemingly ordinary summer internship took an extraordinary turn for a recent high school graduate known as OT. Little did he know that the firefighters he was about to meet had already made a mark on his life, having helped deliver him into the world 18 years prior.
A Memorable Arrival
In the corridors of the Knoxville Fire Department, a tale of an extraordinary delivery resonates throughout the years. Lateshia Hall, a courageous mother, recalls the urgency of that New Year’s Day in 2005 when she sought the aid of the fire department to bring her child into the world. Little did she know that the firefighters who responded to her call would become an important part of her son’s life story.
The Internship Opportunity
Fast forward to the present day, and young OT, whose full name is O’Tavais Harris, has completed his high school journey. He secures a spot in Knoxville’s Summer in the City program, which offers an internship with various civic departments. It was an exciting prospect for OT, who was unaware he was about to witness a remarkable twist of fate.
A Surprise Encounter
One day during his internship, OT decides to make a video call to his mother, eager to introduce her to Kevin Faddis, his mentor at the program. OT’s mother immediately recognizes Kevin standing beside her son. Overwhelmed by disbelief, she recounts the story of OT’s birth, sharing how Faddis and his colleague, Mark Wilbanks, responded to her emergency call all those years ago. It is a surreal realization that OT’s mentor had been present at his very first breath.
A Lasting Intern-Mentor Bond
The pieces of the puzzle fall into place when OT reveals details about his family and the neighborhood he grew up in. In an instant, Faddis recalls delivering a baby in that very neighborhood – a memory etched deeply in his mind. The bond between mentor and intern leaves OT filled with a profound appreciation for the men who unknowingly shaped his life.