[explorer221]

Hey My name is Brittany. I am 14 years old and very intrested in firefighting. My dad is a retired captian and once an acting cheif. He had all girls so kind of gave up on the idea of having an offspring to follow in his footsteps and my mother was not every fond off that work feild. My mother passed and my dad got back into the department again and got his EMT. His Squad now has an explorer post which one of my guy friends is involved with. There are about 30 signed up exploers and about 4 are girls. My friends dad is captian and things have been going really well for him. They have a meeting and a training each month and go to classes and meetings that the firefighters and emts attend at the station. I am excited and afarid at the same time. I feel like i am getting thrown into the stmostphere all at once with people who have been doing this stuff for years. The group is from 14-18 and about 8 show up to everything. I am very active and determined so i would be the only girl there out of the 8. I dont want them to think im stupid or have no idea of whats going on when really i dont . Its like they will have to go over everything again just because im new there when they already know everything. I need some advice on how i should be preparing for this and if maybe there is anyone or thing that can help me out. I dont want to be forced away because i am a girl and thought less of from the others it could go 2 ways. They could be all really really nice and try and help me out with everything or they could just leve me there confused about everything and hope i catch on soon. Maybe some of you have been through that please let me know what to expect
brittany
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Respect is not hard to receive as a girl firefighter. You just have to work your hardest and even more to recive it.

[Dora]

If you are the way that you sound in your posting, determined, interested, dedicated, I don't think you will have a problem. I am also the only girl in my Explorer post as well as our Reserve program. In the fire service this is a pretty common occurance.

Of course there are the people that will try to make you feel stupid, but those people are every where and they've got nothing on you. Just keep asking questions and soon you will be one of the 9 people that shows up to everything.

I've also discovered that many of the firefighters are eager to explain things to you. Often times it is helpful to find that one person or crew that is willing to be a mentor to you. They remember what it was like to be the new person. Also, don't worry about making people go over things again just because you are new, as we say in my post, "review is good".

Probably the most important bit of advice I can give you is this....Every situation that you encounter, whether that just be walking in through the door or being involved on an emergency call, walk in believing in yourself. This is possible the biggest thing, self confidence. If you don't take yourself serious, then who will?

Relax, have fun, and remember that everyone was in your position at one time. Also, if you would like you can send me an email:

Goodluck!
Whitney
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How Much Deeper Would The Ocean Be Without Sponges?

[protectNserve]

Hi Brittany,

Dora said it best, "Review is good". If you join the fire service, and I hope you will, you will find that you're consistently re-learning things. Much of this is due to probies so everyone should be accustomed to it, but there are also state and federal mandates that bring what we consider "old" back to our trianing grounds, as well as changes in protocal or procedure. Remember that everyone was new at one point and surrounded by people who knew more than they thought they ever could. This just happens to be your turn to be the new gal on the block. And hey, you couldn't ask for a better position to be in than to start as an Explorer. By the time you get to the point of firefighter you'll be years ahead of the other probies just joining your department!

If you go into this expecting to be tested then you won't be surprised by the few bones heads that think it's fun to put the female to the test. Compete with yourself by challenging yourself to always be your best and you'll do great. Also, if you're not working out you should start now. Females tend to have less upper body strength than men so pay special attention to your upper body workouts and your cardio. Take some time to read the helpful information that our sister firefighters have posted on this site. You might feel less apprehensive if you know what to expect when you're out there. Your dad may have some good books and/or magazines for your to read as well.

Good luck! And please keep us posted on your decision and progress.

pNs

[Ginger]

Brittany:

This is a GREAT opportunity! While it may seem embarassing or frustrating having to have things repeated or clarified, you are getting the chance to SHOW that you are interested and committed. As someone else said, everyone was the new guy that did know much at some point....it doesn't matter that you are a girl. We have all felt the same way. In dealing with our Explorer program, I am always impressed by the ones that DO ask the questions and don't act like they already know the answers. Someone said to me that it's good to ask because others have the same question and are just too chicken to step up and ask themselves.

Good luck and keep asking the questions!

g

[firething]

These women are giving you great advice Brittany. If you are humble, conscientious, hard-working, and thirst for knowledge, the people who matter will take notice and appreciate you. Sara