I’m writing this in anticipation and I’ll finish it when that day comes. I’m not going to apologize for the length of this post. It’s important.. there is so much to be said and learned here!
I’ve got a super special announcement and it has to do with NEVER giving up and NEVER giving up on your dreams!
Most of you know me as a photographer and it is my passion, but before I became a professional photographer I was a Criminal Justice Major at Kent State University in Ohio. Things happen in life at times to take your dreams away.. you can cry about it and fight to get your dream or you can just go along with life.
I choose to go along with life.
So for many years after my education I became a mother and a wife and then a mother again and again. The thought of a career in Criminal Justice eluded me. I desired it but other things were more important, my family and raising them.
My children are grown now and I find myself at the end of a few journey’s. My marriage has ended and my children are grown. Now what? I’ve got a successful business and it’s something I love to do.. then my daughter calls me and says “Mom, there’s a job opening at so and so Police Department, you should apply”
I went to the website, checked it out and thought.. hmmm why not. It was a few weeks later I received a letter in the mail for a mandatory Physical Testing and Written Exam. WHAT THE CRAP no one said anything about this, I’m (BEEP) years old. No way.
No way? My son Derek said to me, That’s not what you taught us. You taught us to keep going, take each step as it comes and only then can you back out.
UGH!
So the day came and I thought, okay.. sweats and T-shirt on, tennis shoes tied.. I’ll go to check out the course.. SURPRISE.. it’s inside a gym. So now I have to step inside. I think to myself.. it’s a step, I can do this and if I feel I can’t I’ll keep walking and pretend I’m lost in the school (in sweats, T-shirt and Tennis shoes). I walk up the steps and the door opens and I see a line of young men. Most are in great shape and look like x military. WHAT am I doing here. I look around and see only 4 other woman, but I must say girls at this time.
I fill out the waiver and take a seat. The chief greets us, he tells us that this is for ONE position. 91 people applied for the job, 64 showed up today. He wished us luck and I felt like leaving, and I hear my son “Mom, take a step at a time”.
We are divided into groups. The tests are timed but are Pass/Fail Our first test
Run to a lifelike 175# dummy, grab him and carry him as fast as you can to safety (one side of the gym to the other)
PASS!!!
2nd Test:
Carry Two- 50# weights up a set up stairs one step at a time, down again and then backwards. Sound easy? try it. My shoulders about died, so did my calves!
PASS!!!!
3rd Test:
Obstacle course, climb, jump, maneuver under, obstacle x3. Believe it or not I thought this was the easiest.. If it were not for the Officer that ran with me and pushed me my last lap I think I was ready to run out the door.
PASS!!!
4th Test:
The run, I knew I was done for, but again… a step at a time.. I came in last. Yes last and I about gave up. But I was cheered on and I finished…
PASS!!!
After that was the mental written exam and THAT in itself was grueling.
I came home.. sat out back and reflected… I passed! I’m not 29 anymore or 39 but I passed. I may not have been best or fastest, but I PASSED….
Out of an original 91
64 showed up for the testing
3 tapped out
I don’t know how many failed
the top 10 were called in for interviews
The interview was actually interesting and a challenge, remember I’ve been a mom and a photographer for most of my life and to sit in front of 6 men in uniform, asking me questions, well.. I was just honest.
I passed… next was the background. I don’t care who you are.. a background check is in itself.. scary!
I got a letter a few weeks later… I did great, but someone else fared better. My info would be kept on file for a period of time. I was happy for whomever got the job. It’s a great job.
A few days ago I got the phone call.. was I still interested. UMM YES! It’s my dream, So I had 3 more tests to go. Psychological evaluation, a physical and drug testing.
The Psychological testing was 4.5 hours long. I can’t tell you how brain dead I was at the end, but I enjoyed the challenge. I also got to do the ink blots. I’ve always wanted to do that!
A couple nights ago I did the rest of my testing and about an hour ago I got the call and I am now the newest CO at a local PD.
All I can say is, don’t give up on your dreams, don’t stop and if you desire something go after it with all you have. I’m proof of that, and I’m not stopping here. I’ve got a few more goals…
But for this weekend… It’s party time! Time to celebrate!
** side note… Lisa Nikole Photography will still be alive and well, just a few minor time changes and not every weekend will be open to book! Other then that. I’m one blessed lady!
