Ashley Bowles- Topic of My Choice #4

Women Hikers: 
I understand that it may be a little more challenging for women on the AT or any trail like that but I don’t think that should stop any woman from trying because if you set your mind to something, you can do it.  I am a certified firefighter, however when I signed up to take the class and signed up for the fire academy, my parents did not support me in wanting to do it.  They told me it was going to be too much work for me, but I love helping others and I wanted to be able to go in a burning building and put it out and save someone’s life.  Throughout the academy there were some very difficult tasks that I had to accomplish.  Some of the bigger guys in my class didn’t think some things were as difficult as I did.  But when I saw them do it, I always told myself, just because I am smaller than them doesn’t mean I can’t do it.  I was pushed to physical and mental places that I never thought I could be pushed to and make it through but long story short, I passed the class and the academy and graduated last June as a certified firefighter.  It was something I wanted to do and I set my mind to it and did it.  If a woman wants to hike the AT and she believes in herself then she can do it.  I did have some moments of doubt while I was in the academy but I never let myself drop out.  You just have to keep pushing forward and eventually you will reach your goal and it will make you feel great.  I support women wanting to hike.