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.