I won't write about what I think it takes to make it into the fire service, because I have already attempted to get into the fire academy and I know based on my past experiences and failures what I need to make it into the fire service. Instead, I'll write what it means to me; as a female aiming for the chance to make it into the fire service, I don't believe I need to prove to others what I'm capable of necessarily, but by making it, I know I will prove to myself that I have grown as a person, that all my late night studying and working out will get me to where I ultimately want, and I can push past anything. Past experiences, such as failing my first try at the fire academy, being a fire explorer, and being part of the fire tech program at El Paso Community College. Has taught me that there is no limit to what a female can do and that we are just as strong and smart as any other man in the fire industry, and just imagining wearing the uniform to me, it will be like a badge that I'll proudly display and show to other females that belonging in this service is for everyone who wishes and has the determination to become a firefighter. Furthermore, belonging to the fire service will only grow my ambition to help others, and be there in their time of need. The determination and mental strength needed to work as a firefighter is almost draining to think of, but it is doable because being able to help people is the end goal. Belonging in the fire service will mean that I have adapted and although I know no situation is ever the same, I know that at that certain point in life when I'm standing tall and proud as a firefighter, that I have grown as a person mentally, as I face situations in where people are dealing with the worst days of their life. The fire service is a career in which you continuously learn new things, tradition is strong, and there is a chance that you may be one call away from never making it home; because of all of this, I think this noble profession is something that I will never regret pursuing, and it will mean to me, that I never gave up, and put my all to be there. I know the path ahead will be challenging, but in the end, the journey will be worth it, and making it will only prove to myself that if you want to accomplish anything, working hard toward that goal and never giving up is what makes me a great candidate for the fire service.

Hi, I am Dahlia Macias a freshman in college who wants to pursue a career in firefighting. As long as I could remember I’ve always had a desire to do good. Growing up, I believed the best way to do so was by joining the military. So all throughout elementary and middle school that was my main goal. However, during sophomore year of high school when I was talking to a recruiter to join the army and gathering information, my parents in fear of me going to that field of work suggested firefighting. At first I wasn’t too sure, but I researched programs that could give me more information about being a firefighter. I later went in to join a firefighter explorer program here in El Paso, and I’ve learned that firefighting is exactly what I was looking for. I believe everything happens for a reason. I want to be the reason someone is there to see another day, the reason for their family to not suffer the loss of a loved one. I know once I am able to pass the academy and become a firefighter, there is nothing that will stop me from making a positive impact just by being present to scenes where people need help. I know there are various other ways to help others and do good, such as being a doctor, but I’ve found out that, that’s just not me. I like being in the moment, responding to situations in times of urgency has been something that comes easy to me. I say this because I’ve encountered my own share of scary occurrences, such as the time my mother was choking. I was able to respond accordingly and help her out thanks to me learning how to do abdominal thrusts in the firefighter explorer program. During this scary occurrence, I was able to also calm my siblings and direct them to get water and a plastic bag to help her. Something to note about me is that I don’t give up, I know how scarce females are in this workforce; because if this I will not give up or make anyone believe that I’m not as capable as a man. My journey is still going, and I am determined to become a firefighter to do good. Show the world and my community that there are people willing to help out in what could be their worst day of their life. I know this path will be difficult, but I know what I’m getting into, and that my reason and cause is for the good of my community and the people within it.

As a Hispanic female, choosing to pursue a degree in health after taking firefighting classes may seem like a significant shift, but in reality, it's the missing piece I needed. It wasn't until I took part in a real medical emergency that involved my choking mother, that this shift occurred. The knowledge of the Heimlich maneuver and the calmness I displayed directing my siblings on what to grab and call in this urgent situation made me realize how my skills not only saved my mom's life, but with these skills could be used to save countless others. Firefighting takes part in 70% of medical emergencies, because of this I hope to become a firefighter paramedic and continue my education in the medical field. My experiences in firefighting classes have provided me with valuable lessons about resilience, teamwork, and compassion under pressure. These qualities have not only shaped my character but have also ignited my passion for providing care and support in moments of crisis, which I know will help tremendously in the medical field. Through my classes, I learned the importance of staying composed, assessing critical situations, and making quick decisions that will help future individuals during their most vulnerable moments. While firefighting often involves life-saving interventions, I realized that I wanted to play a more crucial role in people’s lives, focusing not only on emergencies but also on helping individuals get the medical services they need at the time. As a woman in the healthcare field, I bring a unique perspective that combines empathy and strength, both of which are vital for creating a supportive environment for patients and colleagues alike, giving me the opportunity to understand and contribute to their well-being. My background in firefighting has equipped me with a resilience that I believe will serve me well in the healthcare profession, where challenges can be equally demanding but also deeply rewarding. Women often bring a nurturing approach to caregiving, but I also want to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that strength and competence know no gender. By excelling in my chosen field, I hope to inspire other women to pursue careers in healthcare or as a firefighter paramedic, showing them that they too can thrive in roles traditionally dominated by men or requiring immense mental and physical fortitude. Representation matters, and I am committed to being a role model for others who may feel uncertain about stepping into such roles. Ultimately, my journey from firefighting classes to medical is driven by a commitment to service and a desire to make a lasting difference in people’s lives. By combining the discipline and courage I developed in firefighting with the skills and knowledge I am gaining in healthcare, I am confident in my ability to create a positive impact as a woman in this essential field. The challenges ahead are almost certain to be very rigorous and hard, but they are matched by the immense opportunities to bring healing, hope, and inspiration to those I serve.

I’ve always had a desire to do good. Growing up, I believed the best way to do so was joining the military. However, during sophomore year of high school when I talked to a recruiter on possibly joining the army, my parents suggested firefighting. Unsure, I joined a firefighter explorer program where I got the chance to volunteer, because of this I’ve learned that firefighting is exactly what I was looking for. The communities service I’ve taken in the explorer program has helped me out in a scary occurrence that happened to me, such as the time my mother was choking; I’ve learned im able to respond accordingly and helped her out with abdominal thrusts. Furthermore during that time I was able to also calm my siblings and instruct them to get help and water. In this program I’ve learned females are scarce in this workforce but I shouldn’t discourage and that I’m just as capable as a man. My journey is still going, and I am determined to become a firefighter to do good. Show the world that there are people willing to help out in what could be their worst day of their life.

Hi, I am Dahlia Macias a senior in high school who wants to pursue a career in firefighting. As long as I could remember I’ve always had a desire to do good. Growing up, I believed the best way to do so was joining the military. So all throughout elementary and middle school that was my main goal. However, during sophomore year of high school when I was talking to a recruiter to join the army and gathering information, my parents in fear of me going that field of work suggested firefighting. At first I wasn’t too sure, but I researched programs that could give me more information about being a firefighter. I later went in to join a firefighter explorer program here in El Paso, and I’ve learned that firefighting is exactly what I was looking for. I believe everything happens for a reason. I want to be the reason someone is there to see another day, the reason for their family to not suffer the loss of a loved one. I know there are various other ways to help others and do good, such as being a doctor, but I’ve found out that that’s just not me. I like being on the moment, responding to situations in time of urgency has been something that comes easy to me. I say this because I’ve encountered my own share of scary occurrences, such as the time my mother was choking. I was able to respond accordingly and help her out thanks to me learning how to do abdominal thrusts in the firefighter explorer program. During this scary occurrence I was able to also calm my siblings and direct them to get water and a plastic bag to help her. Something to note about me is that I don’t give up, I know how scarce females are in this workforce; because if this I will not give up or make anyone believe I’m not as capable as a man. My journey is still going, and I am determined to become a firefighter to do good. Show the world that there are people willing to help out in what could be their worst day of their life. The year is about to end, but I plan to start taking classes as a basic firefighter in epcc. I know this path will be difficult, but I know what I’m getting into, and that my reason and cause is for the good of my community and the people within it.