The Correctional Officer Part I

For as long as I can remember, I was always drawn to the tactical type of career because I felt that I could make a difference in that type of work. I grew up in a very small town with a brother and sister who were my best friends.  They loved the life of living in the country, rodeo, and family.  There are parts of my childhood that are very dear to me and I was blessed to have been raised in the environment my parents worked hard for.  I learned about unity, unconditional love, loyalty and the importance of work ethic.  It is only now that I appreciate how I was raised. 

As you become older and wiser, one does begin to see things differently.  For example: Every single human being was given a gift from god, a talent.  I knew early on what my talent was, but during that time my parents didn't understand me.  I pushed my limits in every way possible while growing up and I do believe that my parents were relieved when it was all over and I went out on my own.

Because I started a family a 25 years old, I changed my thought process and focused my efforts in the Mortgage Industry.  I was good at it, but it was never what I really saw myself doing and eventually I just forgot about wanting to be a Police Officer or joining the Military.  My life became about being a good wife and a good mother.  It didn't matter what I wanted.  Today I often ask god what his plan is for me?  I ask that question frequently because I truly believe that the journey I am on and the individuals that have come into my life and the challenges and changes put in the path I am walking through have brought me to the place that I am today.

I was 42 years old when I was forced to face change.  Listen, I was afraid.  The fear was in my gut all the way to its core.  I couldn't do this.  I couldn't start over after everything I put in to the life I had built.  For two years I was lost.  I didn't know where I belonged.  I didn't feel like I fit in anywhere and I couldn't bring myself back to the devoted mother my son knew.  Remember when I mentioned that Rock Bottom suddenly had a basement.  Well, I had just purchased a house when I was laid off from my job for the first time ever.  I remember that day.  I was driving home and I knew that I didn't want to give anymore and took a path that led me to distructive behavior for six months.  I could only think of making sure I got my son through his final year of high school.  As I began to see things fall apart for me, I knew that I had to take hold of my life.  I wasn't going down this way!  At 45 years old I would begin my new career. 


The fear that once took over me and my self confidence is no longer a factor.  At 47 years old, I find that this is what I was meant to do.  I did not only become a Correctional Officer, but in less than three years I was a member of the Special Operations Response Team, a mentor, Instructor and finally promoting to Sergeant at a men's federal correctional facility.  Recently, I moved to a state correctional facility working with a higher custody level.  I have created my own reality.  I will say it again... I have created my own reality.  People tried to talk me out of this.  I was too old.  What was I trying to prove?  And, let me not forget this one.  A man would never be interested in someone who works in that type of environment.  These were all distractions, but there were individuals who believed in me and because of that I became confident that I would go all the way. No one has to convince me to do what I do.  I do what I do because I do what I do! 

What I learned is that whatever people think about me and my dream is none of my business. After years of worrying how people saw me and what they think of me, I finally figured it out.