By Sarah Sell, University Communications and Marketing
When Teresa Booker crosses the stage on December 13 to receive her bachelor’s degree in health sciences, she will not only celebrate a lifelong goal but reflect on a moment when her military training helped prevent a tragedy on campus.
Growing up in Tampa, Booker always imagined attending USF and earning a college degree. With her father and aunt both proud Bulls, the university felt like a natural step even before she embarked on her 13-year career in the U.S. Air Force.
In 2023, during a planned pause in her active-duty service, Booker started classes at USF St. Petersburg. She arrived on campus with a strong health care background, having worked as a dental assistant and a First Aid/CPR instructor — experiences that strengthened her interest in the science and dental field and would prove pivotal during an unexpected moment.
“Every time I go by that spot, I see it all over again —the people, the timing, the way everything just fell into place,” she said.
Earlier this year, on a routine walk to her Biology of Aging class, she found herself in the middle of a life-or-death emergency. Almost late to class, she cut through the parking lot and heard someone yelling: “Help! Does anyone know CPR?”
A visitor experiencing a cardiac emergency had collapsed near The Campus Grind. When Booker reached him, he was unresponsive and turning blue. Several people were attempting CPR, but she could see that the compressions were not strong enough.
Her training kicked in. She took over compressions while the man’s friend administered rescue breathes, and others called 911. Booker focused solely on the lifesaving steps she had practiced repeatedly to maintain oxygen flow until an AED arrived.
“I’ve always wondered how I would respond if I ever needed to use my training in a real-life scenario. This calmness came over me and I didn’t feel scared or nervous. The training just kicked in.”
Teresa Booker
When university police reached the scene just minutes later, they quickly cleared the area. A sergeant, a former emergency medical technician, felt for a pulse then cut open the man’s shirt, applied the AED and delivered a shock. There was still no pulse. After additional CPR, a second shock revived him.
Hearing the man speak to the police shortly after coming to was a relief for Booker, who knew the outcome could have been very different. Still processing what happened, she headed to class.
When she arrived, she apologized for being late. Coincidentally, her professor was discussing the cardiovascular risks faced by older adults. After class, she explained what had happened earlier. Her professor was impressed and replied, “That’s as good a reason as any to be late.”
Weeks later, the campus visitor called Booker to say thank you and let her know he was doing well. The significance of that day has been a part of Booker’s college journey since.
Later in the year, Booker learned that she would be returning to active duty in August, with new orders sending her to California. The timing meant delaying the summer graduation she originally hoped for. She finished her final two classes online while settling into her new home across the country.
“It didn’t make sense to push through everything while moving,” she said. “Finishing in December allowed me to take more time and do it right.”
Now with a degree, Booker hopes to attend dental school eventually. She is considering the Air Force’s dental hygiene program, which would allow her to continue advancing professionally while earning credit toward her 20-year military retirement.
Whatever path she chooses, she feels her time at USF St. Petersburg has prepared her well.
“I love this campus. It’s small, but it still has the feel of a larger university. I know my professors, and they know me. It’s truly been the best fit for me.”