Hey there.
Just wanted to drop in and say howdy. I have been a lurker for almost 6 years now, dropping by and reading off and on. Figured I should go ahead and register
A little about myself:
I first started visiting this site when I was 16, and had an interest in LE. I had always enjoyed helping people, always admired police officers. I had done a few ride alongs when I lived down in Houston a few years ago, but never actually started the process. The biggest problem? I was overweight. And I let the people around me influence my belief that I couldn't change that. (It's hard describing how you feel when the only reason you fit in is being "the token fat guy" ha).
I moved to East TN a little over 3 years ago. I went to school for IT and ended up graduating with a 3.8GPA (highest honers) with an AA in Information Technology. Once I pay off this round of student loans, I would like to get a BS.
Anyhow, I found a nice cushy desk job as a Windows systems admin. I work for a private contractor for the US Dept of Energy. Upon employment, I was submitted for a Q Clearance. After the 10 year SSBI went through, all of my friends/family interviewed by federal investigators, I was granted the clearance. So, needless to say, I have a squeeky clean background.
Benefit of growing up in a "yes sir, no sir" military household lol.
So, what am I doing here? Well... the answer is simple. I still have the desire to work in LE. I figured if it was a "phase" it would have passed. I figured after my ride alongs with HPD a few years ago, it would have passed. But it hasn't. And I don't think it ever will until I atleast try.
So what am I changing now that makes things different than before? First of all, I do have a
degree and work experience in something other than LE in case it doesn't work out. You never know... I am not going in with rose-tinted glasses, thinking it is an all high speed pursuits guts'n'glory, guns a blazing, high-adrenaline action-packed job. I know it isn't. But, you never know what could happen in the future, and having that safety net of a non LE
degree and work experience could help.
And the overweight thing? I started working out and eating right. I have lost a bit of weight, with a bit more to go. But the thing is- I changed my influences. I surrounded myself with positive people, and people who understood. One of my friends has gotten me into running, and... I actually enjoy it now. I plan to run my first 5k soon
(btw, for those interested.. Couch to 5K is a great program. Google is your friend
).
I have looked up requirements for most local LE agencies in this area, and plan to apply once I can meet physical requirements. The few close friends I have told this to, think I am absolutely nuts. If accepted, I would be giving up a fantastic job, that people my age(22) would kill for. I am in a great position to advance my career,etc. I make more money than my parents do. But to be honest, it isn't about the money. It is about following your heart. Yes, that sounds cheesy. But it is the truth. I could work this job and any other IT job with comfort, and coast through my life financially secure. However, I don't think I would be happy. I would always wonder "What if?". And I don't want to wake up 40 years from now and wonder "What if?".
And if things don't pan out, I always have my IT
degree/work experience to fall back on. So what could I possibly lose?
Anyhow, just wanted to say Howdy. See you guys in the Physical Fitness board ;)
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