Yup, when she said this concerned private communications with "friends" I did a serious double-take, too. I figured someone would address it, though. :)

SkoolCop says ...

[snip]

What is the point I am trying to make?  DO NOT LET THE SELF PROCLAIMED EXPERTS OR ANYONE ELSE TELL YOU ANYTHING THAT TAKES YOU OFF OF THE CAREER PATH THAT YOU HAD CHOSEN..... IF ANY OF THESE PEOPLE AT ANY TIME CALLED YOU A FRIEND...... THEY WERE NOT YOUR FRIEND.

[snip]

 I just completely cut off all communication with them because it seriously made me feel like crap. 

Bump. Sgt.405. Well said. Amanda, follow your dreams. Don't let anybody steal them.

one more thing. dont ever let anyone tell you women cant make it. my chief is a woman and the most amazing boss i have ever had. i would take a woman who wants to do this job and is capable over a man who is here just because he is a man and its a job.. i need someone i can depend on not someone there to just get a check. i think everyone here will agree.

SGT405 says ...

Amanda82,I am old, old school and as hard as nails. I do have a strong sense of honor ,character, duty and morals. I believe you have transerred the blame for your doubting yourself to us. If you have what it takes it should make no difference what anyone else thinks or says. No one else can make you feel anything you do not want to. You are the only one in control of yourself. I have trained, worked with, worked beside and am training female officers. Just like males, some are wortthless, some are average and some are exemplary.The one I am training now is the absolute finest officer, male or female I have had the honor of training in the last 10 years!. She will no doubt take my stripes after Ieave. Whatever a persons dream is our character is defined by how hard we work to achieve  it. How we overcome the obstacles in life depends on the choices we make. Most cannot do this job. I would not like to see someone who would make a greatcop quit because of the reasons stated. Hold your head up. You are stronger than you think. The others are the weak ones. Do not let them control you. I will be standing by for updates.

 

I want to give this a million thumb ups!!!  

Very well said, SGT405.

snhadley says ...

I hear you Marly on that one.  However, it has always been my belief that a Woman can do this job just as good as a Man can!  Therefore, given the chance, allow them to do that!  If a woman enters this profession then she should be ready to step up to the plate!  I for one will give them the opportunity and not hinder it.  Remember, Detective Amanda Haworth and other female officers who have given the ultimate sacrifice in this profession!

AMEN BRO

Like I have told my daughter several times, People are going to talk about you, make fun of you and run you down in life, that's just a fact. If you let them get to you and you back down or give up on yourself, then you are allowing the idiots to win. People who get off on belittling others or are critical of others, are either full of themselves and are of very little value as human beings, or are just trying to pull you down because they have a very low opinion of themselves and are afraid to try and pull themselves up from whatever pit they're in and make something of themselves. Instead of letting them get to you, why not use all the negative talk and actions that people use to try and degrade or humiliate you, drive you to be great, and prove that they are the lowly ones who should be ashamed of themselves for using others as stepping stones and trying to lift themselves up by stepping on others who may be different or less fortunate in some respects, than they are. Keep your head up and prove your doubters and enemies wrong and pray for them, and pity them for being ignorant, God Bless.

Amanda,good evening.Am so sorry to see you were given problems by anybody on thiis link.I and the vast majority here do nhot condone such actions.As far as the school work is concerned I always became quite dragged out toward the end of every semester.It ,at times will feel discouraging and hopeless.This is normal.Hope you don't completely can your aspirations as this may hjust be a temporary feeling.This is,I feel the time to put your heart and stamina in high gear.Perchance you could drop out for a semester and see if you feel about your situation.You're still young,give yourself a chance.

Whatever your decision I am behind you 100%.Nobody knows you better than you.Best of fortune to you....Rev, Dave

It is not "hopeless" unless you allow it to become such.  GET UP AND DO IT....... NOT LATER........ NOW.