When I was 9 years old I felt passionately that I wanted to be a police woman. I used to act as a police officer and "arrest" my younger siblings! I was really excited about my chosen career path.
However, in the early 1990s there was a huge ruckus about Stephen Lawrence. He was a young black teenager, who was murdered in an allegedly racially motivated attack. The suspects were not convicted and the police were deemed "racists". I was a teenager at the time and very impressionable. My community condemned the police and I felt lost and confused. I had always believed in doing the right thing and I thought all people were inherently good. I was naive. My faith in the police force had been shaken.
To make matters worse, around that time, a boy in my school walked up to me in the lunchroom and said: "Why do you want to be a copper anyway. You're a p@ki!" I was so upset. I (mistakenly) realized that I could never be a police officer.
After a while I pushed the police force to the back of my mind. I carried on not really knowing what to do with my life. As an Indian girl I was expected to have an arranged marriage and raise a family BUT I did not want this. I really wanted to travel and see the world.
At 16 my parents said "No!" I could not leave the house. I was disdained, but not discouraged. I held on to the belief that I would go and see what was out there. I bided my time.
Finally, at 24 years old I was allowed to go backpacking through Central and South America. I had worked retail jobs for approximately 2 years to save enough money for 6 months of travel. I loved it. It opened my mind. I did not stay in luxury hotels or take the easy way. It was hard, dirty and real.
After that I went all through Asia. India had a big impact on me. Most people are exceptionally poor. I volunteered a lot in the shanty towns and listened to the "untouchables" stories. Crime is extremely high in the slums. The police do nothing. It was then that I had an epiphany: I could be a police officer! It didn't matter to the public if the police officer is black, white or blue. All people, from all over the world just need help. I can make a difference. I can help my community regardless of my race. I could be a role model for all visible minorities. They can put their trust in the police again.
All my passion had been ignited! From then on, I became driven towards becoming a police officer. I still have to wait at least a few years, but I'm preparing now. I can do it. This is my destiny.
Here is a glimpse of Asia:
Please leave comments & thanks for reading!**
I am sure you are going to be a police woman!
ReplyDeleteI am proud of you. you are doing well now and you will get one later. "No pain, No gain" you show me all the time! I Love you sososo much!
Today have a great day, too. Keep doing well for your dream. I will alway be next to you.
Hey. Happy St George's day.
ReplyDeleteI am a retired NYC Police Officer. I am not sure why at age 29 you still have not joined the police department. Is there an age limit in Canada? Yes it is true when they say no pain no gain but girl all you need is some common sense, street smarts and have your thinking cap on. You don't need muscles unless you plan to wrestle everyone you come in contact with. My last years I did steady midnights, I was considered a heavy hitter. That means I had many arrest. The only time I had to struggle was when the perps were attempting to run away. They did not want to be handcuffed. I am only 5'2" and at the time weighed 110 lbs. If a perp really wanted to hurt me, I would have been hurt. You have to be serious, when you put on that uniform it doesn't matter what they think about you, they MUST respect the uniform. You are the POLICE, you take command of the situation. The line I used most was they can turn around and put their hands behind their back or I can call for back-up. I'm talking New York City...trust me they did not want to see my back-up. I say go for it. visit my blogs: www.FemaleCops.blogspot.com & www.nycpblue.blogspot.com. I'll keep it real for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment!
ReplyDeleteThere's no age cap in Canada. I realize I'm not getting any younger (I do worry about that) but I've moved around a lot. I need to be in the same job for a while to show commitment.
It's reassuring to know that a female can be a "heavy hitter" at only 5'2" (I'm 5'3").
I need to work on my presence to show them that I mean business.
I am following your blog to get an insight :)
Presence...listen u will have to prove yourself time and time again, you're female. Don't get me wrong I lived for the job so much so I lost myself, my identity. I was a cop 24-7. I loved the job and still miss it. Too much political bullshit and the guys well boys will be boys. Just make sure u earn the respect from your peers before u continue. Please don't be one of those dizzy chicks...u don't have to agree with them on everything. Also if u get really good at something, then shine, too bad if they don't like it. Like it or not they will have to deal with u instead of u having to deal with them all of the time. p.s. don't be a home wrecker...lots of handsome cops...or good looking chicks if u swing that way...lol
ReplyDeleteWow, your travels are impressive! I traveled around Europe last year, but admittedly not so grittily. I would love to go to India someday. I think it's great that you found your passion and are making your dreams into reality!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog, and I hope you keep reading! Several people have suggested I do a post on how to go vegan comfortably and easily, so I may have an entry on that sometime soon :]
Forever Blue:
ReplyDeleteI will definitely do what I think is right. I won't be dizzy chick or a "yes man"! Also, I absolutely won't be a home wrecker! I'm a happily married woman! My husband is wonderfully supportive & handsome (he used to be a military policeman) :D