After doctors saved his father, Groton senior plans to study medicine
Groton — Aidan Green has a personal reason for wanting to study medicine after he graduates from the Marine Science Magnet High School: Doctors saved his father's life after he was accidentally shot.
Green, 17, of Groton, will attend the neurobiology and physiology program at the University of Connecticut in the fall. He wants to become a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
"My father got shot and he was supposed to die, and I think it's pretty neat that people can save lives like that," said Green, who's also interested in psychology. "It's driven me to go more into the medical field."
In October 2015, Aidan's father, Brian Green, had just returned from a six-month deployment with the Navy and was visiting his father in Colorado after spending a week at home in Groton. The two were at a shooting range in the mountains.
"They were cleaning up the guns and my grandfather's gun went off," Aidan Green said.
The bullet entered Brian Green's side, skinned his heart and exited through his chest. The pair managed to drive down the mountain and Brian Green walked into the ambulance. Doctors later performed open heart surgery surgery. They had to crack his ribs to treat the wound and save his life.
Aidan Green said he was shocked and scared he'd never see his father again. But Brian Green said he wanted Aidan and his siblings to stay in school and continue on with their lives while he was in the hospital.
Aidan Green confided in his Spanish teacher what had happened, but told few people otherwise, and did as his father instructed. Brian Green ultimately recovered and returned home on the train.
"It kind of helped me get some perspective on life," Aidan Green said. "It showed me that life is going to happen; you kind of have to keep a clear head. You can choose how you respond."
"I've always been kind of driven, trying to learn more and do more. I've always been very competitive. But it's kind of given me a perspective on what's important in life. I wanted to spend more time with my family. I realized the importance of family," he said.
Spanish teacher Cheryl Dutrumble said Green has a confidence unique for his age.
"He's kind of set apart from other kids because he's able to really reflect and speak in a mature way. He's a very good listener as well. So unique and mature for his age," she said.
Green plays left tackle for the football team at Robert E. Fitch High School, and went to school and played a game the day after learning of his father's accident. He works during the summers as a camp counselor for the Groton City Parks and Recreation program at Washington Park, which he attended as a youth.
Green rarely comments about anything wrong in his life, but simply continues working, Marine Science High School Principal Nicholas Spera said.
"When you hear his story you think, 'Oh my God. What do you need?'" Spera said. "(But he says) nothing. He just lends a hand to the other students."
Spera said Green embodies the school motto "effort creates ability."
Green credits his high school for supporting him when he needed it.
"That's the thing about this school," he said. "There's a lot of people there for you, no matter what happens."
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